Cardiff Blues have received news that 30-year-old Wales sevens international Richard Mustoe has been forced to retire due to a chronic pelvis injury sustained playing for the region against Treviso earlier this year.
Mustoe started his career at Bridgend RFC before the formation of the Celtic Warriors.
Following the demise of the team Mustoe moved to the Ospreys and had a season long loan spell with the Dragons.
He joined the Cardiff Blues with fellow wing Aled Brew in the Spring of 2008 and scored a hat trick of tries on his debut for the Blues against the Combined Blues Regional Premiership team in August 2008, at Sardis Road
A player that always gave 100% Mustoe’s speed and strength always proved dangerous to the opposition with the winger proving a clinical finisher.
Speaking of the decision Mustoe said,
“Playing for the Blues was one of the highlights of my career and I will always be grateful for having the opportunity to represent the region and for the level of support they have shown during my time with them as a player, especially during this recent injury.
“It has been difficult being forced to finish through injury. I’ve always enjoyed playing rugby, regardless of whether I was a professional or not. I would have continued for as long as possible.
“ Fortunately I’ve been kept busy relocating my business Porthcawl Funeral Services from South Road to New Road Porthcawl which has certainly given me something to focus on.”
Looking ahead to the future, Richard looks to spend more time concentrating on the success of his business, which up until now he had run alongside being a full time rugby professional.
“Although I have been full time as rugby professional I have also continued with my career as a funeral director.”
“So as far as a career after rugby it was always my intention to continue as an undertaker full time, just maybe not as early as this.”
“Through Richard Webster, I have had the opportunity to do some coaching with Maesteg RFC an I am working towards attaining a WRU level 3 coaching award.
“I’ve enjoyed the experience so far, especially working with Richard Webster, who had a big impact early on in my playing career.”