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09th Feb 2016

Paul O’Connell Has Just Retired Due to Injury

This is devastating!

Cassie Delaney

Shit.

Paul O’Connell has just announced his retirement from rugby due to the hamstring injury he suffered in the Rugby World Cup last summer.

RTÉ report that the captain had been hoping to return to playing following the injury but it seems he has bee forced to accept that he will not. His contract with French club Toulon has been cancelled without playing a single game.

O’Connell has been captain of the Irish squad since 2013.

He released the below statement on IRFU.

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 Rugby Club Toulonnais for their understanding and support over the past few months.

Since sustaining the injury at the 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.

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. 

I have played with some of the best players to ever line out in the red of Munster and the green of Ireland and have had the privilege of captaining my country.

I would like to thank those at Young Munster RFC, Munster Rugby, the IRFU and Lions Rugby who have supported me over the course of my playing career.

Special thanks must go to my wife Emily for her unwavering support through the good and the bad and to my parents Michael and Shelagh.

Lastly I would like to thank everyone who has supported the teams I have been a part of. The support you have shown me is humbling and an immense source of pride for both myself and my family.
Paul O’Connell