Time to go when all is said & Don
DONNCHA O’CALLAGHAN will lead Worcester Warriors out as captain in the final game of his 20-year pro career today.
Capped 94 times by Ireland, the Corkman brings the curtain down on an illustrious career after the Premiership clash with Harlequins at Sixways.
O’callaghan left Munster in September 2015 but has managed to wring almost three more years out of his career at a high level.
Explaining his decision this week, the 39-year-old said: “For me it’s about putting priorities in place. I’ve made massive sacrifices throughout my playing career to miss out on certain things.
“But I think in the last few years, with everything that’s gone on with really close friends, you realise that family is so important.
“I’m starting to miss small things but they’re adding up and I’m missing my kids and being there for them and being a proper dad.
“I need to make my family a priority and stop masking behind sacrifices which are really just selfish moments from me.”
O’callaghan added: “I’ve loved it and I’m honestly so thankful to the game, the way it’s shaped me as a person and as a man. It was important family-wise for them to know I was calling time on my career.
“I could easily keep playing but there comes a time when you just have to draw a line in the sand.
“Body-wise I feel good and I could keep going on but I think there’s a time when you have to prioritise and hopefully I’ll be remembered for being a good rugby player – but I’d rather be a great dad.”