Nottingham Rugby would like to wish Joe Cobden, Billy Robinson and James Penman all the best for the future when they retire from rugby at the end of the season.
Joe and James will, unfortunately, be retiring due to injury, while Billy is looking to start his career outside of the sport.
Chief Operating Officer, Steve Smith said: “Joe, James and Billy have been ultimate professionals throughout their time at Nottingham Rugby.
“Their commitment to the club has embodied the ethos of the team and I am sure that they will find success in life after the sport.
“The work that Joe Cobden has done with the academy and James and Billy have done with West Bridgford and Moderns shows their drive and passion for rugby.
“It’s a loss for our club but a gain for wherever they go afterwards.”
Joe Cobden, who has been at the club for more than 8 years, said: “Sadly, the decision to retire was taken out of my hands by doctors and specialists but I feel it is definitely the right time for me to stop playing.
“Even though I have struggled with injury, I have had the most amazing time here at Nottingham and that’s because of the fantastic environment and culture that everyone involved here at the club have created.
“I’ve worked with so many incredible people – to all the volunteers, staff, coaches and players, thank you for everything you’ve done.
“I will look back so fondly at my time here, I’ve made some lifelong friends and memories that I am so grateful for.
“It’s time for me to start a new chapter in my life but I will always be a supporter of Nottingham Rugby.
“I wish everyone all the best for the future, I hope you have the success you deserve and I will be back again next year to support from the sidelines.”
Billy Robinson said: “I’d like to thank everyone involved with Nottingham Rugby for making my time at the club so genuinely enjoyable.
“It’s been a very special five years for me, during which time I’ve been fortunate to have met so many good people and to have made so many great friends and fond memories.
“It means a lot to me to be able to retire from professional rugby on my own terms and at the club I love. Thank you.”
James Penman said: “I just want to say thank you to everyone involved at Nottingham Rugby. I have throughly enjoyed my time here and will leave having made friends and memories for life along with having learnt a great deal more about rugby.
“Nottingham will always be a special place to me.”
Fans can celebrate the careers of Joe, Billy and James at the club’s End of Season Awards on Saturday 27 April. Book your spot for just £25pp by calling 0115 907 0070.