Harlequins back row James Chisholm has retired from professional rugby union aged 31.

Chisholm said his recovery from a ruptured Achilles in January 2025 had been “a bit of an uphill battle” and “unfortunately my body just can’t get there”.

“I still have the want to play and was really looking forward to this season and gave pre-season my all. We tried everything but I just couldn’t get there,” he told club media., external

“I feel okay about it all and I am at peace with the decision now.”

Chisholm spent all of his professional career with Quins, scoring 21 tries in 164 appearances and winning the Prem title with the club in 2020-21.

Head coach Jason Gilmore added: “He’s been a formidable player on the pitch and a great character off it too, he’s a team-first man who has been so good for our environment, even through the tough moments he has experienced.

“Being a one-club man is rare these days too, so to have played his whole career as a Harlequin is a fantastic achievement.

“It’s disappointing for him, and us, that his time representing the club on the pitch has come to a premature end. We’re committed to supporting him through the next steps of his career, whatever that may be.”