MX23RW : Sunday, November 24 03:25:05| >> :600:15002796:15002796:

Leinster Rugby's Luke Fitzgerald retires from professional rugby

Leinster Rugby announce that Luke Fitzgerald has retired from rugby on medical advice.

Leinster Rugby have announced that Luke Fitzgerald will retire from professional rugby with immediate effect.

The 28-year-old has walked away from the game on medical advice after suffering a neck injury during the Guinness PRO12 final against Connacht.

Fitzgerald made his Leinster debut in September 2006 and went on to win three Heineken Cups, a Challenge Cup and three PRO12 titles.

"I've had a wonderful rugby career which makes it easy for me to move on to the next stage of my life," Fitzgerald told Leinster's official website. "It's been an amazing journey in which I got to experience the highs and lows that come with professional sport and I have learned a huge amount from each experience. I'm now building on that foundation through completing my business degree.

"I'm very thankful for the opportunities I have had, the people with whom I've worked and the lifelong friends I have made. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the medical staff and coaches I've worked with throughout my career and at Blackrock College.

"It's been an honour and a privilege to represent my province, my country and the British and Irish Lions during my career and I'm glad to finish my career as a 'one club man'. The support I got whilst playing for all three teams during the good times and the tough times is something I'll cherish and never forget for the rest of my life."

Fitzgerald, who made 154 appearances for Leinster, also won the Six Nations and a Grand Slam with Ireland, earning 34 caps.

ID:275640: cacheID:275640:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2418:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Joe Schmidt, the Ireland head coach looks on during the International match between Ireland and New Zealand All Blacks at the Aviva Stadium on November 24, 2013
Read Next:
Joe Schmidt: 'Ireland tried too hard'
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
6pm
Vikings
@
Bears
6pm
Lions
@
Colts
6pm
Patriots
@
Dolphins
6pm
Buccaneers
@
Giants
6pm
Chiefs
@
Panthers
6pm
Titans
@
Texans
6pm
Cowboys
@
Washington
9.05pm
Broncos
@
Raiders
9.25pm
49ers
@
Packers
9.25pm
Cardinals
@
Seahawks


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!