Oyonnax’s Tony Ensor Announces Immediate Retirement Due to Concussion

Oyonnax’s Kiwi full-back, Tony Ensor, has officially retired from professional rugby with immediate effect after sustaining a concussion during a Top 14 match against Stade Francais in August. The 32-year-old New Zealander, who joined Oyonnax in 2019 after two years with Stade Francais, has been forced to hang up his boots for medical reasons.

The club released a statement expressing their deep emotion at the unexpected end of Ensor’s career, stating, “It is with great emotion that we announce the end of the career of our full-back Tony Ensor, effective immediately.” The statement continued, “Tony is forced to end his career for medical reasons. Touched by this sudden news, Oyonnax Rugby intends to remain close to the player who will be accompanied by his family in the coming months.”

Having initially trained in Otago and played for the Highlanders in Super Rugby, Ensor made his debut in France with Stade Francais in 2017 before joining Oyonnax in 2019. Over five years with Oyonnax, he played 63 games, scored 11 tries, and contributed to the club’s title of champion of France PRO D2 in 2023.

The retirement announcement serves as a reminder of Oyonnax Rugby’s commitment to the prevention and monitoring of concussions in rugby. The club highlighted initiatives such as the training of the referent doctor, Olivier Rajon, in dietary monitoring for players, recognizing that nutritional support can aid recovery after a concussion. Additionally, players will now benefit from a cooling helmet to mitigate the consequences of trauma related to concussions as soon as a diagnosis is made.

Oyonnax manager Joe El Abd expressed the club’s ongoing support for Ensor, stating, “Tony will remain in support of the group, safe and off the pitch. Even though he can’t play anymore, we still consider him a full member of the group.”

As Tony Ensor embarks on a new chapter beyond his playing career, Oyonnax Rugby wishes him all the best for the future, emphasizing the importance of player welfare and safety in the sport.