Pilgrim to Retire from Rugby!

Caldy RFC scrum-half Chris Pilgrim is to leave the Championship club at the end of the season after he announced his retirement from rugby.

The 38-year-old former Nottingham, Newcastle and Leeds professional spent the past two years at Paton Field after joining from Anselmians which sandwiched an earlier, one-year stint at the Ravers.

He has made 58 appearances for the Ravers and has been integral to our success in the Championship over the past two seasons.

Gareth Davies (Director of Rugby) on Chris:

“Chris has now been with us for two spells and since his return two years ago has shown everyone what it takes to be a full time professional and why he was thought of so highly in the professional game. A wealth of knowledge and a great character in the team environment. Chris has completely bought in to the Caldy ethos and way of life and I hope enjoyed the last two years and proved to himself how much fun rugby can be even at Level 2. Thanks for coming back Chris and we will no doubt see you on the bank next season.”

Matt Cairns on Chris: 

“Chris has had a fantastic rugby career and I’m so glad he decided to come out of retirement to rejoin Caldy to finish his career, he has been a fantastic pro since coming back and set a great example to all the young players on and off the pitch and has been a huge part in us establishing ourselves in the champ. He should be massively proud of what he has achieved in the game.”

Richard Vasey on Chris :

“I have known Chris for a long time having played with him and against him several times. He has brought a wealth of top-level experience and the technical skills required to compete at this level. However, more importantly, he has brought a competitive edge that drives the standards of the team. Something he has never lost. Good luck to him in wherever his rugby career takes him next.”

Captain JJ on Chris: 

“We are going to miss. Chris tremendously. He has a wealth of experience which has helped us on the pitch and on the training ground. But we will miss him for more than that, he is a top bloke and a great example of professionalism. He looks after himself and has been a top role model to the younger lads. The physios won’t know what to do now he isn’t on the bed for an hour for his weekly foot rub.”

Chris will be retiring from Rugby and putting all his efforts into his thriving family business. He also has a passion for helping younger local scrum-halves to develop their game. What a guy.

We wish him all the very best in his next chapter of life, see you on JJ’s bank in the future.

Thank you Chris