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Rugby ATL prop Julian Montes has confirmed his retirement from rugby in a statement on social media. The 26-year-old is following the advice of doctors after scans revealed serious damage in his neck.
“I got MRI’s done and x-ray and found multiple layers of disc issues. To the point where I’m at risk for paralysis. So after understanding the facts that were presented to me, it was in my best interest to step away from the game.”
Montes had been involved in preseason training for the 2021 Major League Rugby season prior to the diagnosis. The Collegiate All-American appeared in three matches as a replacement tighthead during the 2020 campaign and was expected to play a larger role this coming year.
It’s the second prop ATL have lost to retirement, albeit in different circumstances. 27-year-old loosehead Jamie Ferrante stepped away in July to focus on a career in chiropractics. The club also said goodbye to tighthead Cronan Gleeson, who has moved to the San Diego Legion.
Incumbent starters Chance Wenglewski and Duane Aholelei are returning this season. Incoming props confirmed to date are Jonas Petrakopoulos from Rugby United New York and collegiate standout Lincoln Sii from GCU. Sam Chaney was on the roster in 2020 but did not make any regular season appearances. The tighthead was most recently playing with ATL’s development side, Pathway 404.
