James Stannard forced to bring forward his retirement after fracturing his skull in violent incident

AUSTRALIAN sevens player James Stannard has been forced into premature retirement due to the head injury he suffered in an alleged coward’s punch attack.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA — JANUARY 28: James Stannard of Australia in action in the quarterfinal match against New Zealand during day three of the 2018 Sydney Sevens at Allianz Stadium on January 28, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

AUSTRALIAN sevens veteran James Stannard has been forced into early retirement due to head injuries suffered in an alleged coward’s punch attack in March.

Stannard was hospitalised with a fractured skull and missed out on captaining Australia at the Commonwealth Games after being struck in a one-punch attack at the end of a night out in Coogee.

The 35-year-old had hoped to recover in time to play one last tournament for Australia at the Sevens World Cup in San Francisco next month, before hanging up his boots as planned.

But Stannard has been informed he won’t be able to make the World Cup, and he announced his retirement on his Instagram page on Saturday.

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James Stannard has been forced to bring forward his retirement after a coward punch fractured his skull. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

“It is with great sadness that I’m announcing my forced retirement from rugby as a player due to head injuries I recently suffered,” Stannard wrote.

“It has been my greatest honour and privilege to have been able to pull on the “ Green and Gold “ and represent my country beside my mates, men I count as brothers over the past decade or so.

“The international rugby family have been so supportive and I’m humbled and thankful

“I want to thank my family, teammates, staff and opponents both here in Australia and around the world. It’s been a fantastic ride, I’ve learnt so much and enjoyed every minute.”

Stannard retires as one of the most experienced players to ever represent Australia in sevens, having played in 47 tournaments — the second-highest tally ever — two Commonwealth Games and an Olympics. He also played Super Rugby for the Western Force and Brumbies, and also spent time in Japan.

Stannard will go down in the books as one of the most accomplished sevens players in Australian rugby history.

In a memorable fortnight of tournaments before the March attack, Stannard helped Australia win the Sydney Sevens in January and then, as acting captain, kicked an extra-time field goal to win beat New Zealand for bronze a week later.

An emotional James Stannard after being discharged from hospital after having his skull fractured in an incident at Coogee. Picture: Toby Zerna

Stannard was punched after a night with teammates and family farewelling coach Andy Friend. Teammates and Friend have since said they believed Stannard had been killed when his head hit the concrete following the punch.

Fellow Aussie players Lewis Holland and Ben O’Donnell chased and detained Stannard’s alleged attacker 22-year-old British man, Sam Oliver.

He was charged with recklessly causing grievous bodily harm and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, but Oliver pleaded not guilty in court. The trial is yet to be held.

James Stannard will go down as one of Australia’s great sevens players.

Stannard’s Instagram feed was full of tributes from Australian rugby players, coaches and fans.

Wallabies halfback Nick Phipps said: “One of the all-time greats old bull. Much love and respect.”

Australian women’s coach John Manenti, who coached Stannard at Eastwood, said: “The most loved player in any team you played for @aussie7s @eastwoodrugby it’s been a privilege, plenty of sunshine ahead.”

Originally published as James Stannard forced to bring forward his retirement after fracturing his skull in violent incident