Freddie Burns: England stars past & present pay tribute as 'all-time great' announces retirement from rugby - ‘That droppy will stay with me forever’
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2025/05/02/image-dfe2a7b1-16b3-40a7-aa20-5e002e65941a-68-310-310.jpeg)
Published 07/08/2026 at 10:13 GMT+1
React to this story
Stars from across the rugby world have queued up to pay tribute to Freddie Burns after the England international and former Leicester Tigers hero announced his retirement from the sport aged 36, with his former club describing him as an "all-time great."
'Here it is!' - Re-live Burns' sensational drop goal that won the Final for Leicester in 2022
Video credit: TNT Sports
Burns played for PREM Rugby sides Gloucester, Leicester and Bath as well as Japanese team Toyota Industries Shuttles, the Highlanders in New Zealand and Romanian outfit Dinamo Bucharest.
The playmaker, who could operate at fly-half and full-back, also earned five England caps and was part of the team that defeated the All Blacks in 2012.
But the moment many will remember him for came during his second spell with Leicester in 2021/22, a season that culminated with Burns scoring a spectacular 79th-minute drop goal to win the PREM final against Saracens at Twickenham.
Burns announced his retirement on Thursday with a post on Instagram, writing: ”As a child, I dreamed of playing just one minute of professional rugby.
"To have lived this career for almost two decades is more than I ever imagined. I feel incredibly fortunate."
Burns thanked team-mates, staff, his family and his agent, while taking a cheeky swipe at his doubters too.
”To those who said I was too small and would never make it… f*** you,” he wrote with a winking emoji.
On representing England, he wrote: "[It was] the greatest honour of my career. Nothing will ever compare to pulling on that jersey.
”Rugby taught me many things, but above all it taught me resilience.
”The setbacks made the successes sweeter, and the challenges shaped the person I am today. Thank you, rugby.”
- PREM fixtures revealed: Reigning champions Northampton Saints open new campaign
- 2026/27 Jaecoo PWR fixtures: Reigning champions Saracens begin title defence at home
Tributes pour in for ‘one of the all-time greats’
The announcement soon had big names from across the sport queueing up to applaud his career.
Burns’ former Leicester half-back partner Ben Youngs wrote: ”Fred, you're everything a team-mate could ever wish for. You should be so proud of what you have done on the field and off it.
”An infectious personality that lights up people's day, a player with flair, talent, creativity, and a bring-on attitude. You're a champion, congrats on everything buddy.”
Another Tiger, England international Freddie Steward, wrote: ”Incredible career mate. That droppy will stay with me forever. Thanks for the memories.”
The Leicester Tigers account said: "One of the all-time greats to put on the green, red and white jersey.
”Congrats on your career Fred and thank you for the unforgettable memories.”
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2026/06/20/image-df822ac7-2a9c-4f28-bf98-275359e19346-85-2560-1440.jpeg)
Highlights: Northampton regain PREM title after dramatic victory over Exeter
Video credit: TNT Sports
Gloucester wrote: ”Thank you for all you’ve given the game.”
Former England full-back Mike Brown said: ”Congrats mate! Loved being your team-mate and tour roomie! All the best with what’s next, I know you’ll smash it.”
Ex-England and Leicester fly-half Andy Goode wrote: ”Hell of an innings pal, some unbelievable highs to look back on. Not many people have kicked the winner in a Grand Final and beaten the All Blacks!
"Pleasure playing against you and more importantly being your mate and having a few decent nights out!”
Add TNT Sports as a preferred source here to enjoy more content like this.
Watch and stream the Gallagher PREM and Premiership Women's Rugby live on TNT Sports and HBO Max.
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement