Back injury forces Heaslip to hang up his boots and start new chapter as a dad
AFTER 95 caps, three Six Nations titles and three Heineken Cups, former Irish rugby captain Jamie Heaslip has announced he is ending his playing career on medical advice.
The 34-year-old, who captained the national team 13 times, has struggled to recover from a back injury he suffered last year.
‘I’ve had the time of my life on and off the rugby pitch but now it’s time for the next chapter,’ he tweeted.
The Kildare native, whose wife Sheena O’Buachalla is expecting their first child, has not played for Ireland since facing Wales in last year’s Six Nations.
‘My goal when I started my career 14 years ago was to leave the jersey that I wore in a better place and I hope I have done that,’ Heaslip added.
He played in two Rugby World Cups – in 2011 and 2015 – and was nominated for world rugby’s player of the year award in 2009 and 2016, as well as playing a key role in Ireland’s Grand Slam win in 2009.
Ireland coach Joe Schmidt described Heaslip as an ‘intelligent and incredibly robust player’ who was ‘utterly professional, driven to succeed and a leader with the actions he delivered’. Meanwhile, former colleague Brian O’Driscoll yesterday paid tribute on Twitter.
‘Sad to see injury forcing @ jamieheaslip into early retirement’ he wrote.
‘What a servant to @leinsterrugby, @IrishRugby & @lionsofficial he’s been.
‘A terrific professional and incredibly savvy player that you could only fully appreciate as a team mate.’
Fellow Ireland and Leinster player Rob Kearney said: ‘Started my career 14 years ago with this man and we have made some incredible memories together.
‘His consistency and professionalism are unrivalled.
‘Huge respect for someone who will be remembered as one of the true greats of Irish rugby.’
‘One of the true greats’