The 31 year-old Harlequins winger has announced his decision to retire from rugby at the end of the season. Monye won’t be out of rugby for long however as he joins BT Sport as part of their rugby coverage team.
The England winger won 14 caps and also featured in two tests for the British & Irish Lions against South Africa back in 2009 scoring a try in the final third test victory in Johannesburg.
Monye was one of the first to come through the Quins academy and play in the first team making over 230 games for the London club.
He made his debut for Quins back in 2002 and helped the club to win four trophies in his time at the club – The European Challenge Cup in 2004 and 2011, the LV= Cup in 2013 and the biggest of all, the Premiership in 2012.
Tributes have come pouring in for Monye with the club’s director Conor O’Shea saying;
“In my time here, two things stick out to show his unwavering commitment and professionalism to the only club he has ever played for. The first was when he was offered twice the money we were offering to join a top French club, but he turned it down to be with the club he always dreamt of playing for.
“My second memory will be how he got back on the field for our Aviva Premiership title win in 2012. He tore his hamstring, but within four weeks – and against all medical expectation – he got himself back on the pitch and played the full 80 minutes.”
Monye himself has said that his decision has been one ‘that I have been thinking about for a long time and one that I haven’t taken lightly. I have had an unbelievable 13 years here at Quins and look back on my career with no regrets’.
Below is a great tribute to the Harlequins flyer. Not enough Monye for you? View more of his best bits, including a commentary blooper, on page two
This tackle against Thom Evans back in 2009 when England vs Scotland in the Six Nations is a masterclass in tracking back. Not only did Monye make the tackle and push Evans into touch, he also did so after running over from the other side of the pitch!
This a try that will live long both in his memory and Lions supporters!
This try is a credit to his finishing abilities, a try he scored against Connacht on his 200th appearance in 2013.
Apart from his finishing, he was also reknowned for his big hits, take this monster of a hit agsinst Chris Wyles last season.
Outside of rugby Monye has shown his talent when it comes to being a pundit, however things didn’t go to plan when he made his debut appearance!
Ugo Monye you will be sorely missed by Harlequins fans and rugby fans alike. Thanks for the memories.
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