Henry retires as game takes ‘physical toll’ on Ulster star
ULSTER and Ireland back row Chris Henry has announced his immediate retirement from rugby due to health concerns in an open letter to supporters. Henry collected 24 caps for Ireland throughout his career and his last appearance for Ulster was against Scarlets in September. ‘After a great deal of thought and in-depth discussions with family and friends, I believe that now is the right time to retire from the game I love,’ Henry wrote. ‘No matter how much I would love to finish the season with this talented group, my career has taken its toll physically, and so for the wellbeing of myself, my loving wife and my family, I will be retiring immediately. ‘I am incredibly proud to be a one-club man, and I want to thank Ulster for giving me the chance to achieve my dream.’ The 34-year-old played 184 times for his province and made his international debut against Australia in 2010. Henry is currently celebrating his testimonial year in recognition of ten seasons of service to Ulster, having made his debut against Harlequins in January 2009.
KURTLEY BEALE has called for consistency from referees in light of Owen Farrell’s controversial tackle against South Africa. The England fly-half escaped any sanction on the field and a citing postmatch, but many thought his match-winning hit on Springbok Andre Esterhuizen was dangerous. Australian back Beale, who played for Wasps in the English Premiership, wants to see a more universal approach to high tackles. ‘It is pretty inconsistent at times,’ said Beale. ‘A couple of years ago that is a red card or a yellow or a penalty. If you can have that level of consistency throughout the whole thing. I think clarity will come with that,’ Beale added.
SCOTLAND star Stuart Hogg will be assessed ahead of the Autumn Test match against Fiji at Murrayfield on Saturday after returning to the squad ahead of schedule following ankle surgery.