This archive report was first published on 16 September 2019.
On September 16, 2019, Scotland forward David Denton announced his retirement from rugby, a decision made after he was advised by doctors to quit the sport following a concussion he sustained in October 2018.
At the time of the injury, Denton was playing for Leicester Tigers, and the concussion occurred during a match against Northampton.
"Of course, it is devastating that my rugby career is ending," Denton told the Scottish Rugby Union website.
Despite his efforts to recover, Denton had not played since suffering the injury and was eventually advised by his neurologist that it was no longer a good idea to continue playing.
"My reaction at the time my neurologist told me it was no longer a good idea to play rugby to be honest was a bit of relief," said Denton.
"This had been building up inside of me for four to five months. I knew there was a strong possibility this moment [having to retire] was coming. By the time I got to it, I had been through all the emotional highs and lows, so I was prepared for it."
"We're going to miss him with Scotland," said national team coach Gregor Townsend. Scotland head coach Townsend said it "seems to be the right decision to retire" and expressed the team's disappointment at losing Denton, who was capped 42 times for Scotland. Before his retirement, Denton had played for Edinburgh, Bath, and Worcester Warriors, in addition to Leicester, and had made the move to Scotland in 2010.
