Bath Rugby lock Dave Attwood will retire from professional rugby at the end of the 2022/23 season.
The 36-year-old has had a fantastic 18-year career which has seen him amass over 350 senior appearances, the majority of which have been in Blue, Black and White.
Aside from his two spells at The Rec, Attwood has represented England, plied his trade in France with Toulon and experienced life at two other West Country clubs in Bristol Bears and Gloucester as well as National League rugby with Dings Crusaders.
His next chapter is unknown as of yet, but his rugby journey has been full of achievement and making memories.
“I have loved every minute of being a rugby player,” Attwood said.
“At times, it’s been hard. This job is so taxing on you both physically and mentally. But it’s also given me so much. It’s been fun and full of joy and friendships. Physically pushing yourself along with your teammates to find how far you are able to go. I’ve built bonds and bridges that will last a lifetime.
“It’s been hard on my family. I look at my children, Jess and Patrick, who are my biggest fans, and I think about how my mum and dad have watched me get battered every week for almost 20 years… but they supported me and helped me every day. I’ll never be able to thank them enough.
“A club is a funny thing. From the owner, to the kitman, to the hospitality staff and media department through to the Academy players. So many important relationships and so many important people. I have been absolutely privileged to have worked with some of the absolute best, across all departments, through some truly great clubs.
“I will always be thought of as a Bath player; 175 appearances for a club leaves an imprint on you. I’m grateful to the incredible Bath supporters who welcomed me and ran with me every step of the way.
“But mostly I’m thankful to the club, some of the most genuine and incredible players and coaches and off-field staff who have shared the last decade or so with me. They gave me the opportunity to live my dream every day and it’s down to them that I have been able to do so.”
Attwood stepped into professionalism with Bristol at the beginning of the 2005/06 season as an 18-year-old and debuted for the then Memorial Ground-based outfit against Bath in the Powergen Cup.
International honours were achieved the following summer as he was capped by England Under-19s in the 2006 Junior World Cup before going on to play for England Under-20s and England Saxons in the following two seasons.
As he progressed towards becoming a full-fledged international, he ended his first spell with Bristol by switching to Gloucester where he enjoyed two seasons, earning his maiden full international cap against New Zealand.
It was the start of an illustrious time with the rose on his chest which culminated in a 2016 home victory against South Africa.
With Bath, Attwood found a home and was a mainstay in the 2014/15 team that reached the Premiership final.
He returned to The Rec following a successful second spell at Bristol, helping them to a Challenge Cup title during a difficult Covid period.
Attwood has been a real rugby ambassador throughout his career, acting as a role model for his peers throughout via his conduct, leadership and professionalism on and off the field.
Everyone Bath Rugby would like to wish Dave a huge congratulations for a wonderful career and wish him the very best of luck with what is to come.
“Dave’s longevity in the game deserves to be heralded,” Bath Head of Rugby Johann van Graan.
“An England international and a great rugby ambassador, he has given so much to the sport, particularly Bath Rugby, over 18 years.
“He epitomises what it is to be a rugby player through his leadership, application and desire to work hard every day, and with how he performed against Bristol Bears on the opening day of the season, I knew he would be an integral part of our group for the year ahead.
“Dave’s attitude towards offering advice to our younger players has been invaluable and he will go down in history as not only a Bath legend, but one of Premiership Rugby’s greats.”
DAVE’S CHANNEL SWIM
Post-retirement, Attwood is planning to swim the English Channel for Aspire because, as he puts it, ‘it’s important to get out of our comfort zone’!
“I’m no stranger to putting my face in uncomfortable places… but this is usually between the sweaty backsides of some front row forwards! The chilly waters of the English Channel will be an entirely new uncomfortable experience.
“I will be swimming across the English Channel (approximately 22 Miles) in a relay with a couple of friends. This will entail hour long bouts of swimming in the frigid waters until we reach the other side wearing nothing but speedos and a pair of goggles.
“We will be doing this to help raise money for Aspire and all the amazing things that they do in order to support the lives of people with spinal cord injuries.”
For more information and to support Dave’s cause, click the button below.
