Is the Bell finally tolling on Lydney coach Duncan's long career?
LYDNEY head coach and former England prop Duncan Bell will make a decision about whether to retire from playing in the summer.
The Severnsiders' boss suffered a broken eye socket and concussion on January 5 against Canterbury as his side's three-match winning run was ended in National Two South.
It was the first broken bone of the 38-year-old's 17-season playing career and coupled with his first torn hamstring earlier in the season, Bell says enough may be enough.
He is currently ruled out for six weeks and with the last match of the season on April 27, Bell says it may come down to whether he needs surgery.
Business Cards From Only £10.95 Delivered www.myprint-247.co.uk
View detailsOur heavyweight cards have FREE UV silk coating, FREE next day delivery & VAT included. Choose from 1000's of pre-designed templates or upload your own artwork. Orders dispatched within 24hrs.
Terms: Visit our site for more products: Business Cards, Compliment Slips, Letterheads, Leaflets, Postcards, Posters & much more. All items are free next day delivery. www.myprint-247.co.uk
Contact: 01858 468192
Valid until: Wednesday, May 22 2013
But having gone under the knife plenty of times already in his career, Bell says he wants to retire on his own terms.
"It will be my 15th surgery and I've had enough," Bell said.
"I've been there and done that and I don't want to do it again so if I were to carry it would definitely need doing.
"I said as soon as I broke my face that was it, I've had enough. I've only had four stitches in my whole career and I've been really lucky.
"I'm 38 now and that's old for a rugby player and to have played professionally for that long, I've had a good innings, but I still love the game and I think I can still manage to do it at this level.
"I'm still deteriorating as a rugby player, I know that. I know that I'm getting older and slower.
"But when do you hang your boots up and say enough is enough?
"Do you become a bit like, not that I liken myself to Mohammad Ali or anyone like that, but quite clearly he went on too long.
"You see other boxers and they always want to come back for more.
"Audley Harrison keeps losing and I don't want to be Audley Harrison and keep coming back for one more game.
"I don't want people saying 'oh why is Belly still playing, he used to be a good player but he has gone downhill'."
Comments