Western Force flanker Chris Alcock says his fear of getting injured convinced him it was the right time to retire despite being just weeks away from playing in Australia’s new rugby competition.
Alcock spent four injury-ravaged years at the Force from 2013-2016, and he rejoined the club in 2018 for Andrew Forrest’s Global Rapid Rugby.
The 32-year-old, who also spent stints at the Waratahs and Brumbies, said it was clear to him that he needed to retire.
His decision comes just two weeks before the Force open their Super Rugby AU campaign against the Waratahs in Sydney on July 11.
“I’ve put my body through a fair bit of stress and damage, and it just came to the point where I was more concerned about getting injured than playing rugby,” Alcock said.
“I’m still training with the squad for a couple more days but for the last few weeks I have been doing whatever I can to get the guys in the best shape going into their first game.
“Just seeing how they are building and coming together is something that I have loved; it’s quite hard to be almost on the outside already.”
Alcock, who started his career at the Waratahs in 2010, said rugby had given him some lifetime memories.
“I got pulled out of second-grade rugby to go to the Waratahs – I was only training one day a week while I was at university, so I did not see that happening from where I was,” he said.
“With rugby I have been able to travel the world. I’ve lived in Japan, I’ve played in South America, New Zealand and South Africa. I can’t give it enough credit for what it has given me.”
Double Agent
Guest
Actually the more I think about it I think he did play for Gordon. It's a long time ago now!
Double Agent
Guest
Played for Eastwood. If he played for Gordon I don't remember it.
In brief
Guest
Remember seeing him play Shute shield (Gordon from memory) and thinking- geez this guys good - probably expected him to go further - but overall pretty good career
Nigel
Guest
A very underrated player, as far as loose forwards go he is top shelf. His breakdown work cannot be denied and he was an excellent link man as well. Great pity as an old Western Force die hard fan I was looking forward to his contribution but he knows his body and mind best so I thank you for your service to our great game.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Bet he wished reality hit 4 weeks ago though! I wonder with the signing of Koteka he was only staying on because the team needed him, but now Koteka is locked in he doesn’t have the moral obligation to hang around.
ScottD
Roar Guru
Probably thought he had another season in him until the reality hit. He wouldn't be the only person that has happened to :) I'd rather he quit now than be tentative (not that I think he would be) in the opening game and get injured. At least we have 2 weeks knowing what is what before the first game.
jeznez
Roar Guru
“he had his ups and downs but what a joy to watch when he was on song and across 148 games he had more on than off. Such a massive contributor to NSW rugby over so many years” Is that really much worse than what I said above?
jeznez
Roar Guru
:laughing: learn to use quotes mate. I never said “Good riddance” There isn’t actually any sting in your attack when you make up what I said. :laughing:
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Bit silly from him though. Waited until the end of his second pre season for the year! Probably a shame Alcock never went North. He’s the exact type of open side that goes up there and dominates the Prem.
Realist
Guest
Agreed EFF. Chris Alcock has done the right thing at the right time. I think it’s time we all followed his lead and stopped making excuses for our actions or insensitive comments. Rugby Union players (and fans) should be judged on the content of their character.
Ex force fan
Guest
Beale is a gifted player however he is the reason we got Cheika as coach. Didn’t see Alcock do anything wrong but thought he had another year in him. Listen to the body before you get hurt is good advice...
Realist
Guest
Thank you for your kind words about Chris Alcock Jeznez. It’s just a shame you couldn’t attribute similar sentiments to Kurtley Beale (beyond “Good Riddance”) who is perhaps the finest indigenous player to represent the Wallabies in a generation. If only the the same standards were applied to all.
MitchO
Guest
Yeah good on him. He's helping prepare the other guys too which is good. 33 for an openside. That's a good innings. His class and experience will be missed but he gives the younger guys a chance. The Force have some decent loosies. Tevin Ferris could do with the exposure and someone said Koteka was back. Bryn Stander is a bull who's going to inflict some physicality on someone. No shame in no test caps for him. He was stuck behind a couple of special players.
Broken Shoulder
Roar Rookie
I remember that try! https://youtu.be/X2Twayuid3o?t=81
jeznez
Roar Guru
Always like Alcock. Sounds like the right decision. Important to know when to call it quits. Good on him, quality player.
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
Sad news, Alcock is a really quality player and I was looking forward to seeing him play. But you cannot argue with his logic. He was excellent for the Brumbies in 2017 and think he could justifiably got a cap or two that year. That’s the year we somehow topped the conference with an incredibly weak roster, and lot of that was down to Alcock and Fardy really leading the forwards in defence and at the breakdown. He was also a skilled 7 who could link and from memory even set up a try in Argentina with a beautiful chip kick after a break off a scrum. All the best, Chris, you brought this Brumbies fan a lot of joy.