International rugby player retrains as equine vet

Former international rugby player Luis Lamas has recently swapped the rugby pitch for the operating theatre. Luis is now a vet at Minster Equine Veterinary Clinic in York. He has just joined the clinic, after specialising in equine surgery at Cambridge University.

Luis played for Portugal for five years, gaining 16 caps. He last played an international match in 2000 and has concentrated on his vet studies ever since — though he does still play some local rugby when he finds the time.

Luis told H&H: “I’m passionate about being a vet and about horses. I do miss international rugby, but don’t have time for both. I prefer being a vet — I definitely made the right choice.”

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (13 March, ’08)

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