Former Hull KR forward announces retirement
Photo: Will Palmer/SWpix
Forward Tom Garratt, who played in Super League for Hull KR last season, has announced his retirement at the age of 28.
This time last year, Garratt was preparing for his big chance in the top flight after the Robins had signed him from Dewsbury Rams for an undisclosed fee.
He made his debut in the 26-12 defeat to Huddersfield in February, and went on to make six appearances for Hull KR, including four starts.
But the win over Warrington in April turned out to be his final game for the club and it seems, the final of his career.
In a post on Instagram, Garratt said: “After a lot of consideration, I have decided to retire from rugby. Even though I have improved a hell of a lot and I had the opportunity to carry on, any serious training seems to irritate the neck injury. I don’t want to find out what happens if I re-injure myself and I certainly don’t want to put my family through it.
“I’ve found out the hard way that we have nothing without our health and my health affects more people than just me.
“I’ve been a Siddal boy, a Siddal man, an Axeman, a Ram and a Robin. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who played a part. None more so than my mum, my dad my partner and my family. It’s been a hell of a ride.”
Truly gutted
Tom Garratt suffered with concussion-like symptoms which eventually resulted in his mutual release from his contract in August. In an update following the end of the season, Garratt revealed he had suffered damage to his neck and that he hoped to return to the game.
At the time, he said: “I am truly gutted my time at the club has come to an end. The most difficult aspect is most likely that my first opportunity to play at the highest level has been taken away from me for things out of my control. Especially when it started to promisingly.
“Just to clear up, since leaving the club, I have seen a doctor and osteopathic specialist who have confirmed I don’t have concussion and potentially never did. Following the injury to my jaw, cervical instability had caused damage to my autonomic nerves and circulation in my neck, causing a lot of concussion-like symptoms. It was very complex and hard to diagnose what was wrong, hence the lengthy absence.”
Garratt had played 48 games in the Championship for Dewsbury when Tony Smith gave him his Super League chance for 2022.
At the time of his signing, Smith said of Garratt: “He’s a big strong, ambitious young man with some maturity. Probably in his prime for a prop.
“Tom feels he’s ready for the full-time environment and wants to throw everything into becoming a full-time player and fulfilling his ambitions.
“I can’t see any reason why he won’t be a success at Super League level, we’ve identified that in his ability but also in his ambition and his drive.”
