Northampton Saints can today confirm that hooker Samson Ma’asi has retired from professional rugby.
The 21-year-old made three first-team appearances in Black, Green and Gold after signing his first professional contract ahead of the 2018/19 season, becoming Saint #2010 when he made his debut in a Gallagher Premiership victory over Newcastle Falcons that term.
Ma’asi also represented England at Under-18s and Under-20s level, starting for his country on home soil in Northampton as Franklin’s Gardens hosted a Six Nations clash against Scotland in 2019.
However, illness curtailed Ma’asi’s progress that summer as he was forced to take some time away from rugby to undergo a kidney transplant – and despite the young hooker returning to training at Franklin’s Gardens in 2020, he has now decided to hang up his boots for good to focus on his health.
“This was a really difficult decision for me to make, but it all came down to doing the right thing for my health,” said Ma’asi.
“I want to thank all the coaches for their support of me during my time at the Club, and particularly during the last few months as I recovered from my surgery.
