Ex-Ireland captain Paul O’Connell retires from rugby
Former Ireland captain Paul O’Connell has retired from all rugby on medical grounds with immediate effect, the lock announced on Tuesday.
Former Ireland captain Paul O’Connell has retired from all rugby on medical grounds with immediate effect, the lock announced on Tuesday.
"It is with deep regret that I have decided to retire from professional rugby following medical advice," O'Connell, 36, said in a statement published on the Irish Rugby website.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank all at Rugby Club Toulonnais for their understanding and support over the past few months."
I have been blessed to be a professional rugby player for over 14 years and to be part of Munster and Ireland teams that have experienced success
O'Connell, who won 108 caps for Ireland and seven caps for the British & Irish Lions, retired from international rugby late last year after a hamstring injury forced him out of the World Cup.
He had intended to see out his career with French Top 14 giants Toulon, having signed for them from Munster last year on a two-year contract, but his injury has forced him to abandon those plans without having played a single game for the club.
"Since sustaining the injury at the Rugby World Cup I have been fully focused on returning to fitness and starting an exciting new chapter for both myself and my family in Toulon. Unfortunately this will no longer be possible," he added.
"I have been blessed to be a professional rugby player for over 14 years and to be part of Munster and Ireland teams that have experienced success.
