Bees Buzz

MARTIN TO RETIRE FROM SENIOR RUGBY (April 1 2007)

MARTIN TO RETIRE FROM SENIOR RUGBY (April 1 2007)
Simon Martin Pertemps Bees centre Simon Martin has announced that he will retire from senior rugby at the end of the season to take up a full-time job as player/coach of Taunton.
Martin, who has had ten years as a professional rugby player, will make his farewell appearance for Pertemps Bees against Nottingham at Sharmans Cross Road on April 28 and then link up with Taunton who play in South West Two West but who have National League aspirations.
"I would have liked to have had another season at National One level and the Bees did offer me another year," Martin said. "But Taunton have offered me a three-year full-time contract and I think that it's too good a deal to turn down.
"It means playing a lesser standard of rugby but Taunton are a very ambitious club. They moved out to a new ground by the motorway about five years ago and have lovely facilities there - a stand and clubhouse - and they want to go further in the leagues.
"They've given me a chance to extend my playing career and also to have a go at coaching with their backs. I think they hope that I can use some of my contacts to bring in some players with National League experience.
"First Division rugby is getting tougher each year and I have had a few bad injuries so am at the stage now where I need to nurse my body through a bit."
Martin, 32, began his career with Bristol and played for them in the Premiership before a serious knee injury almost ended his career. He had a long spell out of rugby but made a successful return to action with Coventry, then joined Pertemps Bees three years ago.
"I've had ten good years as a professional rugby player including four as a full-timer at Bristol. That was a great experience, playing for my local club in the Premiership and in front of big crowds every week," Martin said.
"But I have really enjoyed my three years with the Bees, which is a proper rugby club, and this season in particular. Last year was difficult with finishing bottom but this year has been very enjoyable.
"We've got some good young players in this year, we've played a brand of rugby that we've all enjoyed and it's been great fun. That made the decision to take the Taunton job even more difficult. My heart is saying one thing and my head another.
"But I think it's a good time to bow out of senior rugby. I've enjoyed my time at the Bees, the people have been very friendly and made my stay a very enjoyable one. The Nottingham game will be an emotional occasion for me. No doubt I'll have a few drinks to say my goodbyes."