CONNACHT STAR O’CONNOR CLOCKS OUT
FORMER Ireland international Johnny O’Connor has retired from rugby at 33. The flanker, who twice won the Heineken Cup with Wasps and also picked up a brace of Premiership titles, said he felt the time was right to quit after 14 years as a professional. The Galway native had to deal with a multitude of injuries during a career which saw him win a dozen Ireland caps, make 145 appearances for Connacht and 74 for Wasps during his four years in London. He was the IRUPA players’ player of the year in 2005 and the following season O’Connor helped Ireland win the Triple Crown. ‘My body is telling me it’s my time now and I am happy with the decision I’ve come to. ‘I have enjoyed my career massively and am grateful to all who have supported me over the years,’ said O’Connor, a qualified strength and conditioning coach who hopes to stay involved in the game. Currently dealing with an ankle problem, O’Connor has battled with his fair share of injuries throughout the years, including a serious neck injury sustained while playing for Wasps in the Powergen Cup final — which saw him stretchered from the field and out of action for several months. ‘He always put his body on the line and that’s why teammates, coaches and supporters always had great time for him,’ said Connacht coach Eric Elwood. ‘He is a great role model, a local lad who lived the dream and always inspired those around him. ‘It is the end of an era but Johnny played a big role in helping Connacht develop during the professional era. ‘I was honoured to play alongside him and as a coach he was a great man to have on board,’ added Elwood, who will also be leaving the Connacht payroll at the end of the season. O’Connor said that he owed a lot to Elwood for helping him develop and follow in his footsteps to become an Irish international. ‘I’m especially grateful to Eric who has believed in me from the outset and, during the last three years, has been a fantastic head coach,’ he said. ‘I’m thankful for the wonderful friends I’ve made through rugby over the years. I’ve played with and against some fantastic people. ‘It’s other players’ commitment and sacrifices that have helped me develop on the pitch and that sort of unity is what makes the sport of rugby so special. ‘I hope to remain working in the rugby industry and keep an involvement with Connacht,’ added O’Connor. MUNSTER centre James Downey says his team have not given up hope of making the semifinals of the RaboDirect PRO12. Rob Penney’s men are currently sixth in the table, seven points off a play-off spot and head to face second-placed Glasgow Warriors this weekend. They will play Leinster the weekend after their Heineken Cup quarter-final against Harlequins and face lowly Dragons and Zebre in their final two games. Downey said Munster had not given up on their league aspirations, having reached the semi-finals each season since the system was introduced three years ago. ‘No one is thinking that way. I haven’t thought too much about Quins. Coming from England, there’s a bit more focus on the Heineken here. The league is still there, we have to keep playing and winning. We have to rely on someone else making a mess but we have to keep the pressure on,’ said Downey.