Former England fly-half Freddie Burns has announced he will retire from professional rugby at the end of the Romanian league season, bringing the curtain down on a career that has spanned almost two decades.
The 35-year-old shared an emotional farewell on social media, reflecting on a journey that took him from childhood dreams in Gloucestershire to Premiership titles, international honours and unforgettable moments on some of rugby’s biggest stages.
Burns wrote:
“It is with a heavy but full heart that I announce my retirement from playing professional rugby at the end of this Romanian league season.”
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From childhood dream to professional career
Burns revealed that as a youngster, he simply dreamed of playing one minute of professional rugby.
“As a child, I dreamed of playing just one minute of professional rugby. To have lived this career for almost two decades is more than I ever imagined. I feel incredibly fortunate.”
His career included spells with Gloucester, Leicester Tigers, Bath, Japan’s Shokki and Dinamo Bucharest, as well as a stint with the Highlanders in New Zealand.
Freddie Burns’ unforgettable career
The fly-half thanked every club that gave him the opportunity to play the game professionally.
“To Cinderford, Gloucester, Leicester, Bath, the Highlanders, Shokki and Dinamo—thank you for allowing me to live out my dream. It was a privilege to represent every one of you.”
Burns also paid tribute to England, admitting that wearing the white jersey remained the pinnacle of his career.
“To have represented my country will always be the greatest honour of my career. Nothing will ever compare to pulling on that jersey.”
“To those who said I was too small…”
One of the most memorable slides in his farewell message reflected on the doubts he faced throughout his career.
Alongside a picture celebrating Leicester Tigers’ Premiership triumph, Burns wrote:
“To those who said I was too small and would never make it… F*** you. 😉”
The message perfectly summed up the determination that defined his career.
Thanking family, teammates and supporters
Burns reserved special thanks for those closest to him.
He thanked his family for believing in him “long before anyone else did”, describing them as his greatest source of strength throughout his journey.
He also acknowledged every teammate, coach, physio, analyst, strength and conditioning coach, manager and member of staff he encountered during his career.
“Every one of you shaped me in ways you’ll probably never know.”
Supporters also received a heartfelt message.
“To every supporter who wears their team colours with pride, thank you. I hope I gave you as many moments to be proud of your team as you gave me reasons to be proud to represent it.”
“Rugby taught me resilience”
Burns concluded his farewell by reflecting on what the game had given him.
“Rugby taught me many things, but above all it taught me resilience. The setbacks made the successes sweeter, and the challenges shaped the person I am today.”
He signed off with a simple message:
“Thank you, rugby.”
Rugby world pays tribute
The announcement prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the rugby community.
Former teammates and fellow internationals including Freddie Steward, Jamie George, Mike Brown, Alex Goode, Jim Hamilton and Matt Banahan all congratulated Burns on his career, while broadcaster Jill Douglas praised him as “always a favourite for the fans” and “always a friend.”
Steward wrote: “That droppy will stay with me forever.” A reference to Burns’ iconic last-minute drop goal that secured Leicester Tigers the Premiership title in the 2022 final against Saracens — a moment that will forever be remembered as one of the greatest match-winning kicks in Premiership history.
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