Taylor Paris has called it a day at the age of 30. The 28-time capped Canadian winger announced his retirement together with his French club Oyonnax. The reason for his sudden, and young, retirement is injury.
The statement made on the Oyonnax website informed the departure Taylor paris from the club with immediate effect. Injuries have complicated his time with the club. His last appearance for Oyonnax was in the Pro D2 play-off against Colomiers in May.
Paris joined Oyonnax in 2020. During his time with the Pro D2 club the Canadian played in 35 matches, scoring eight tries. He told the club:
“I want to thank the club for their support in the announcement of this end of career, and I also want to thank the supporters.”
Paris burst on to the international scene at a young age. He made his first appearance at the international level with Canada u17’s in 2009. He went on to make his test debut for Canada against Belgium in 2010. In doing so, Paris became the youngest ever Canadian capped player at the age of 18. He also faced Portugal and Spain while still aged 18.
Canadian Head Coach Kieran Crowley included Paris on his roster Rugby World Cup 2011 in New Zealand. He did not receive game time. Had he done so then Paris would have broken the record for the youngest player in RWC history.
Paris played for Canada u20’s in 2012. He faced Chile, Georgia and Japan and Zimbabwe at the Junior World Trophy in Utah. From there he went on to begin his professional career. He played in Scotland for the Glasgow Warriors in what is now the United Rugby Championship (URC), and in France for Agen, Castres and Oyonnax. He played in both the Top 14 and Pro D2. His semi final try against Perpignan for Agen remains one of the all-time great scores.