Rory Watts-Jones (born 15 December 1988) is a retired Welsh rugby union player. A flanker, he played club rugby for Cardiff Blues regional team.[1]

Rory Watts-Jones
Birth nameRory Watts-Jones
Date of birth (1988-12-15) 15 December 1988 (age 35)
Place of birthCowbridge, Wales
Height188 cm (6 ft 2 in)
Weight99 kg (15 st 8 lb)
UniversityUniversity of Plymouth
Rugby union career
Position(s) Flanker
Youth career
Cowbridge RFC
2009-2011 Plymouth Albion R.F.C.
2011-2012 Cardiff RFC
Senior career
Years Team Apps (Points)
2012-2015 Cardiff Blues[1] (0)
Correct as of December 2012
National sevens team
Years Team Comps
Wales 7s

Born and raised in Cowbridge, Watts-Jones joined Cowbridge RFC and played for the Wales under-16s team.[2] Having gained a place at the University of Plymouth, he joined their rugby club, where he came to the attention of Plymouth Albion R.F.C. coach Graham Dawe.[2] Watts-Jones made his debut from the bench in January 2009, against Doncaster R.F.C. in the EDF Energy Trophy.[2] Starting 35 games and playing in a further 12 from the bench, he also played for the Wales Sevens team.[2]

Having finished his university course, in June 2011 he joined Cardiff RFC,[2] and then graduated to the regional Cardiff Blues squad.[3] He made his debut against Connacht in September 2012. In November 2014, whilst playing against Newcastle Falcons in the Anglo-Welsh Cup when he scored a decisive try,[4] he suffered a concussion related injury.[1][3]

The Blues took Watts-Jones through the WRU defined graduated return-to-play protocol,[3] but noted that he was fairly slow going through the process.[3] His family and girlfriend then noted that his behaviour was different from previous concussive recovery episodes.[3] Referred to a specialist doctor, after further tests Watts-Jones was advised to retire due to a concussion-related injury.[3] On 17 February 2015, the club and Watts-Jones announced his reluctant retirement from rugby, based on medical grounds with regards his long-term health.[1][4]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d "Cardiff Blues flanker Rory Watts-Jones 'devastated' by retirement". 17 February 2015 – via bbc.co.uk.
  2. ^ a b c d e [1][dead link]
  3. ^ a b c d e f "Rory Watts-Jones retired after family noticed behaviour change". 17 February 2015 – via bbc.co.uk.
  4. ^ a b Bywater, Alex (17 February 2015). "Cardiff Blues forward Rory Watts-Jones forced to retire from rugby".
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