Paul O’Connell has been forced to retire from rugby due to injury before having the chance to end a glittering career with European champions Toulon, the former Ireland captain said on Tuesday.
O’Connell, whose retirement from international rugby came sooner than he had hoped when he suffered a serious hamstring injury during last year’s World Cup, had intended to play on after signing for Toulon before the tournament began.
But the hamstring tear, which O’Connell said he instantly feared had ended his career, was too severe to get back to the same level again.
“Since sustaining the injury 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,” O’Connell said in a statement released by the Irish Rugby Football Union.
“It is with deep regret that I have decided to retire from professional rugby following medical advice. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all at Toulon for their understanding and support over the past few months.”
In a decorated 14-year career with his native Munster, the towering 36-year-old lock forward was part of one of the great teams in club rugby who won European Cup in 2006 and 2008, launching a dominant period for Irish sides in the competition.
Captain of the British and Irish Lions on their 2009 tour of South Africa, O’Connell returned from a near career-ending back injury to represent the Lions for the third time during the successful 2013 series in Australia.
Cruelly, that tour was cut short too when O’Connell broke his arm before the second test.
He became only the fourth Irish player to win 100 caps, alongside Brian O’Driscoll and former Munster team mates Ronan O’Gara and John Hayes, eventually playing 108 times and winning three Six Nations titles and a grand slam.
Taylorman
Guest
Images of OConnell leading his troops against Oz in the 2011 pool match win is one of the most inspirational I've seen in the game. A genuine leader and hopefully he's got coaching abilities to inspire others. With that amount of passion and presence he won't ever be far from the game. One of the greats.
Taylorman
Guest
Ah yes, the well worn and treaded path. They've built a wheelchair version now so it really does open the doors up.
Derm
Roar Guru
Great player. Great leader for Munster, Ireland and the Lions. Hope life after playing brings him plenty.
Machooka
Roar Guru
Sad news... but at 36 and three Lions tours, numerous years in the Irish national team, and Captaining both at one stage or another it came as no real surprise. Always the tough nut, uncomprising and abrasive, he can now take his time in reflecting on what was an outstanding stellar career. And, as a Wallaby supporter, I was always worried when this Munster man was in the opposition... as he was likely to led by example, inspire his team, all to the detriment of my Wallaby. Good luck to him for the future!
Not Bothered
Guest
Look out, Toulon just freed up some money.
Hello
Roar Rookie
A legend of the game. Good luck MR Munster