England lose a little magic as James Simpson-Daniel quits due to ankle injury

The 32-year-old won only 10 full caps, as fitness issues set him back at important times

James Simpson-Daniel in action during his last appearance for Gloucester, against Newcastle last year (Getty Images)

English rugby is not so awash with free spirits that it can afford to lose one to premature retirement, but this was the depressing result at Gloucester when the 32-year-old James Simpson-Daniel called it quits.

Far and away the most imaginative attacking runner of his generation – he may have been a little slower than Jason Robinson, but when it came to vision he made the World Cup winner seem myopic – he has failed to recover from a particularly complex fracture-dislocation of the left ankle.

Simpson-Daniel, who moved to Kingsholm straight from school after an age-group career that had senior coaches wondering if they were dealing with a rare case of rugby genius, won only 10 full caps, largely because of repeated outbreaks of orthopaedic trauma – not to mention a struggle with glandular fever – set him back at important times. He was in the selection frame for three World Cups, but missed out each time.

But he was a 24-carat hero at Gloucester and equally revered by rival supporters who recognised talent. “He was unique,” said David Humphreys, the West Country club’s rugby director. “I played against him. Even though he could really hurt you, he was a joy to watch.”

After suffering the injury in an Anglo-Welsh Cup game with Newcastle some 10 months ago, Simpson-Daniel knew his playing future was under threat, and a few days ago he received the specialist advice he dreaded. “They were the last words I wanted to hear,” he said, “but I’ve had a good trot and can’t have any complaints. I’ll take my time in considering my options.”