Exeter hooker Harris forced to retire aged 25

Iestyn Harris last played in a friendly against the Royal Navy in March

Exeter hooker Iestyn Harris has been forced to retire from rugby on medical grounds aged 25.

The Welshman, who joined the Premiership club from Cardiff Blues in 2022, played three times for the Chiefs.

The former Wales Under-20s player was part of the Exeter side that won the 2023 Premiership Rugby Cup final.

“Rugby has been my life since I was a kid, so it’ll be strange not to be in the team environment anymore but I’m also excited to see what comes next as I start a new adventure away from the sport," he told the Exeter website.

He is the third Exeter player to announce their retirement this month after lock Matt Postlethwaite and back Rory O’Loughlin.