Nick De Luca to end rugby career at Wasps after signing new deal until the end of the season - The Coventry Observer

Nick De Luca to end rugby career at Wasps after signing new deal until the end of the season

Coventry Editorial 18th Jan, 2017   0

RUGBY UNION: SCOTLAND international Nick De Luca will end his career with Wasps after signing a contract extension until the end of the season before retiring from professional rugby.

After more than a decade playing at the highest level, including 43 caps for Scotland, the 32-year-old has decided the time will be right to hang up his boots and embark on a new career in June.

The talented centre, who has a sports science degree from Edinburgh University, will take up a post as director of rugby at Uppingham School, one of the country’s leading boarding schools.

He will combine his new role as Director of Rugby with teaching Economics and Business Studies, after he has completed his MBA from Heriot-Watt University.




De Luca said: “It’s a great group of players and coaches here at Wasps, the environment is world class and I am thoroughly enjoying being part of this squad.

“I look forward to playing my part over the coming months and to seeing what we can achieve this season.


“It has been an incredibly difficult decision to retire from the game at the end of the season, but one that was made easier after I met Uppingham School Headmaster Richard Maloney and he shared with me his vision for the school.

“As any professional sportsman knows, there are ups and downs in your career and your family often bear the brunt and make the sacrifices. So a big thank you to them for their confidence in me and their support.

“I have been privileged to play rugby at the highest level, to be coached by world class coaches and to work alongside and against some of the best players of my generation, during my career playing for Scotland, Edinburgh, the Borders, Biarritz and Wasps.

“I thank each of the coaches who helped me develop as a player. It is through these experiences that I believe I can help the next generation of rugby stars at Uppingham achieve their goals, and also instil core values and life skills that will help every level of rugby player excel in their chosen path of life.

“Until then, I will savour the final few months of professional rugby and do my best to help the squad go as far as we can in Europe and in the Premiership this season.”

Wasps’ director of rugby, Dai Young, said he was pleased to see De Luca remain at the club until the end of the season, and described him as a model professional.

He added: “He has a great attitude and adds a lot to the squad through his international experience.

“Frustratingly for him, he hasn’t been able to make as many appearances as he would’ve liked due to injury, but it’s great to have him back fit now and I’m sure we will see more from him over the remainder of the season, before he starts a new chapter.”

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