Rugby ‘rotten from the core’
‘‘I’ve a real fear that the values that made me fall for rugby have nearly disappeared.’’ Dan Touhy
Former Ireland lock Dan Touhy has retired with a bang, airing fears that rugby is ‘‘starting to look like it’s rotten from the core’’.
The 34-year-old Touhy, who opened an 11-test career by playing the All Blacks in New Plymouth in 2010, has been forced out with an arm injury while playing for Vannes in France’s second division that has required nine operations.
Touhy delivered an emotional farewell statement on his Twitter account, admitting it wasn’t the usual one where players say ‘‘how they’ve loved every second’’.
‘‘The truth for me is I haven’t,’’ he said.
‘‘The praise part that usually follows such an announcement is normally a welcomed ego boost by the retiree but it doesn’t sit comfortably with me, so spare yourself.’’
While the trappings of professional sport meant it could be a ‘‘dream job’’, time has soured that for Touhy who has played for Bristol Bears, Gloucester Rugby, Ireland A, Leicester Tigers, Munster, Stade Francais, Ulster and Ireland during a long career.
‘‘It’s starting to look like it’s rotten from the core and I’ve a real fear that the values that made me fall for rugby have nearly disappeared,’’ he wrote.
‘‘Integrity and loyalty is a thing of the past, even a simple gesture of looking someone in the eye has gone, you’ve to have thick skin in this game. Rugby is a business people – need to always remember that.
‘‘I had grown sick and tired of the preseason goalsetting of honesty and respect being brandished around only to be broken almost straight away by the same people preaching it.’’
Despite his negative departure, he still liked to look back on the good times.
‘‘As a professional you get paid well, the lifestyle is class – all the bulls... aside it really is a dream job,’’ he said.
‘‘I’ve travelled the world met some great people that now have become lifelong friends, memories that can never be taken away and some amazing nights out, and really that’s what it’s all about.’’