Life without Ugo Monye begins for Harlequins today as they look to end their disappointing 2014-15 Aviva Premiership campaign on a high.
The 32-year-old winger was not named in the Quins squad for today’s game at Newcastle Falcons, meaning he ended with two tries in the 27-26 loss to second-place Bath at the Stoop last weekend.
That double took Monye, already the club’s all-time top try scorer, to 89 tries in 241 games during his 13-year career at the club.
His pace, power, and unwavering desire to win earned him 14 England caps between 2008 and 2012, scoring two tries.
Monye also won two caps and scored one try for the British and Irish Lions in their 2009 tour of South Africa.
He is a firm favourite among the club’s supporters, who adore him for his loyalty and passion.
One fan said: “He gives his all in every match he plays and always takes the time to talk to fans after matches.”
Another added: “Whenever he gets the ball the shouts of ‘Uuuugoooo’ in the Stoop are deafening. He is a true gentleman of the sport and will be greatly missed.”
Upon announcing his retirement in March, Monye said: “Playing alongside some of my best mates has given me some of the greatest experiences of my life.
“It has been amazing playing, winning and even losing alongside some of the best players and friends.”
Harlequins director of rugby, Conor O’Shea, praised Monye’s unwavering commitment to his boyhood club after being offered twice the money to play for a Top 14 side in France.
He added: “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.”
Harlequins sit eighth going into the season climax and will not be playing in the play-offs for the first time since winning the trophy in 2012.
