Former Italy star Jake Polledri forced to retire aged 28 after recovering from ‘complete paralysis’

JAKE POLLEDRI has announced his retirement from rugby due to injury.

The 28-year-old suffered a foot injury while at Zebre having only joined the club last summer.

Jake Polledri has announced his retirement from rugbyGetty

The former Gloucester and Italy forward made one appearance for the club this season in the Challenge Cup in December.

Polledri had already recovered from a knee injury that sidelined him for almost two years.

However, he has not been able to fully return to full strength after an injury that left his foot in “complete paralysis”.

The 20-time capped international announced his retirement on Instagram.

He wrote: “Playing International rugby was a wild childhood dream that lived up to every expectation. From Summer Tours, to Six Nations and breaking Records in the Japan 2019 RWC.

“My return to the pitch from my catastrophic knee injury in 2020 was tough.

“A lot of people wrote me off immediately, which didn’t deter me.

“From complete paralysis in my foot to 677 days later being able to run out at Gloucester again.

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“The support from the Kingsholm fans was immense and is cherished.

“My foot however hasn’t returned back to 100 per cent and ultimately it has affected my ability to return to the high level of rugby I played, and it has also affected life generally.

“I have reluctantly accepted that my body and professionals are telling me to retire from the sport that I love.

“I look forward to my next chapter and I will remain positive in what it can bring.

“Carrying that rugby & family mentality in whichever role I take on next.”