Low to retire at end of the season
By Mark Stevens
21/5/19
Exeter Chiefs prop Moray Low says the time is right for him to bring the curtain down on his distinguished playing career and look to a future away from the professional game.
Brought to Devon in 2014 from Glasgow Warriors, the Scottish international has played his part in helping Rob Baxter’s side establish themselves as a proven force, not only within the English game, but on the European stage too.
Having made his name North of the Border with Glasgow Warriors, whom he spent eight seasons with, Low has proved a shrewd signing by Baxter, amassing 70 first team appearances for the Chiefs, scoring seven tries in the process.
At 35, though, the life of a front-row forward is never easy and with competition aplenty for Low to contend with, the Toprhins-born powerhouse is ready to hang his boots up and pursue the next chapter in his life.
“Coming to the Chiefs, it’s been fantastic for me,” he said. “I knew when I came down five years ago that the club were going places and that’s certainly been the cases. For me, personally, it’s been great to be part of a great journey, seeing where the club has come from to where it is now.
“At the time, it was a big move for me. I’d had eight great years with Glasgow, so I was coming out of my comfort zone. However, I wanted to play in the Premiership and really challenge myself. From day one, it’s been very enjoyable, playing and working alongside some great people, and it’s definitely made me a better player.
“To retire now at the end of the season, it’s definitely the right time for me. I’m very happy with what I’ve done, what I’ve achieved, and I know the club will continue to move in the right direction in the future. We’ve got a number of internationals props - on both sides of the scrum - and behind them we’ve got a really good group of young lads who are coming through.”
Although first team opportunities have lessened in recent times for Low, he acknowledges the part he has played - and still has to play - for the Chiefs up until the end of the season.
“As I said, it’s a great bunch here at the club and the environment which has been created is very special. Everyone is always working hard for the same goal and although I’ve not had so much game time in the last year or so, you still have to play your part and be competitive as that is what drives everyone on.
“I’ve been lucky to do my bit in some of the success we’ve had in recent years and, hopefully, we can have some more again this season.”
After which, Low will then turn his attention to life away from rugby. Already he’s gleaned a decent insight into what he can expect, setting up a property development business ‘Tomahawk Homes’ with former team-mate Julian Salvi.
“With the help of the club and the Rugby Players’ Association, we were able to set up Tomahawk Homes,” explained Low. “For both of us, it was our first venture into life away from rugby. However, we were able to use rugby and our role with the club to get ourselves in the right position, talking to the right people and, eventually, getting the business off the ground.
“Now, in a weird way, I’ve got that buzz like I had when I first went into rugby all those years ago. I’m excited about what the future holds for me and my family.
“Obviously, the whole Tomahawk Homes thing, which has gone very well, has reassured me that now is the right time to call it a day. Looking ahead, I know it will be different, especially early on, but I do think there is a lot a retired player can take from the rugby environment into the workplace. Lots of guys think after 15 years of rugby ‘What now?’
“I don’t think like that, I think there is a lot you can do and it’s not until you get out into the world that you see exactly what you can bring in terms of your skill-set and understanding from having been in rugby at this level.”
Moving forward, Low will continue as a director of Tomahawk Homes, as well as taking on a new post with Thomas Mae, who specialise in residential development and land investment opportunities, offering professional advice to landowners, developers and house builders.