Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
A third Canadian Olympian has announced his retirement. Connor Braid’s decision to step away from rugby at the age of 31 follows that of Conor Trainor and Nathan Hirayama, and former World Cup teammate Ciaran Hearn.
“I’ve decided to hang up the boots and call the career after Tokyo. To every coach and team who gave me a chance; thank you. This sport is such a good education to young athletes around values and respect. I don’t know another game like it in that way.”
Braid graduated directly from the national u20 side to make his test debut against Belgium in 2010. He would win 26 caps through 2018, earning selection to the 2015 World Cup though injury restricted him to just one start against Italy. Comfortable at flyhalf, inside center, or fullback, he spent four seasons playing professionally in the UK most notably with Glasgow Warriors and Worcester.
A spot on the World Sevens Series opened in 2011 and Braid would play in 33 tournaments through 2020. He won Bronze at the 2013 World Games in Colombia and was selected to Canada’s teams at the Commonwealth Games in 2014 and 2018.
