FIRST XV captain Caolan Ryan has made the decision to call time on his playing career.

The 30-year-old has become a popular figure amongst our supporters since signing in 2018, scoring 152 points in 40 appearances.

However, ongoing concussive symptoms have limited the fly-half’s playing time this season, leading to him making the decision to retire.

Caolan explains: “I’ve struggled with ongoing concussion for the last couple of years.

“I had several concussions in the early part of my career as well, but the most recent ones have been taking longer and longer to clear up.

“Ongoing migraines have been stopping me from doing any form of exercise and are having a big impact on my life, so after some medical advice I’ve taken the decision for my ongoing health. Thinking about life after rugby, it’s probably wise to retire now rather than potentially do any further damage.”

Caolan has made a big impact both on and off the pitch during his four seasons at Chinnor.

And you will still see him at Kingsey Road as he will be supporting our Senior Squad as an assistant coach until at least the end of the campaign.

He said: “The squad have been really supportive as I have come to terms with the fact I will no longer be playing, and I can't thank them enough. As a Club, we have some huge games coming up. It's a chance for this group to define our identity as a team for the remainder of the season, and this will be important to carry into next year's competition. If there is any way I can help the guys to be successful from the sidelines, then I am eager to do so.”

Caolan – whose previous clubs include Birmingham Moseley, Coventry, Stourbridge and Rotherham Titans - has been involved in our National League 1 journey from the beginning.

He made his debut on September 1, 2018, kicking 16 points as we made a memorable start to life in the third tier with an historic 26-11 victory at Plymouth Albion.

“That’s definitely one that sticks firmly in the memory,” said Caolan. “Plymouth were tipped for promotion and we were the new boys on the block. Beating them well and picking up player of the week, it was a lovely way to start at the Club. I remember the bus journey back with the guys, the excitement that we were here in Nat 1 and the season ahead.”

Caolan called time on professional rugby when joining Chinnor, going on to forge a new career as a Land Buyer at Rectory Homes.

He said: “Stepping out of full-time rugby can be a wilderness, but since the first day I moved here it felt like home. I owe a great deal to the Club for that.

“It’s a lovely town, the people are fantastic, my fiancée is here with me and we’re getting married this year – this has become my home and so much of that is down to the great people who support this Club.

“You do become invested. You see how much work people have put into Chinnor over the years to make it a success and their passion is contagious. There is a feeling that the Club continues to build towards even bigger things.”

Chinnor RFC Thame’s Director of Rugby, Richard Thorpe added: “I’d like to thank Caolan for his long-standing service to the Club.

“I have worked with him for two of his four seasons at Chinnor and the role he played in the early days of our new-look squad following Covid was invaluable, which resulted in him becoming our First XV captain.

“It’s obviously disappointing for Caolan that he has to retire, but we wish him well in his recovery and we are delighted that he will still be around the Club, remaining a part of our Senior Squad coaching team as he supports us on the sidelines for our remaining games.”