Ireland's Luke Fitzgerald forced to retire from rugby aged 28

Ireland’s Luke Fitzgerald forced to retire from rugby aged 28

  • Leinster, Ireland and Lions wing Luke Fitzgerald has been forced to retire from rugby on medical grounds
  • The 28-year-old has struggled with a serious neck injury for several years and suffered another setback in May
  • The 34-times capped Irish player won a Grand Slam in 2009, a Six Nations in 2015 and three Heineken Cups
Leinster, Ireland and British and Irish Lions utility back Luke Fitzgerald has announced his retirement from professional rugby with immediate effect.

As a result of an incident in the PRO12 Final against Connacht, the 28-year-old Fitzgerald back suffered a neck injury and has been advised to retire on medical grounds.

“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,” he said.



“It’s been an honour and a privilege to represent my province, my country and the British & 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.”

His retirement is the second blow in a week for Leinster coach Leo Cullen following scrum-half Eoin Reddan’s decision to quit the game.”