Rugby says farewell to Johnny O’Concrete as Connacht legend hangs up his boots

Rugby is a sport heavily populated with tough guys but when you’re dubbed 'Johnny O’Concrete' by your peers, you know you’ve stood out above the rest. Johnny O’Connor will be sorely missed.

The 33-year old’s decision to call it a day was revealed on the Connacht website yesterday evening, with the Galway native bringing the curtain down on a 14-year career that included two spells with his native Connacht, a highly successful stint in the Premiership with London Wasps and 12 caps with Ireland, during which time he was part of the 2006 Triple Crown winning side.

O’Connor was voted IRUPA (Irish Rugby Union Players’ Association) Player of the Year in 2005, when he was an integral member of a Wasps side that was arguably the strongest in Europe at the time.

Injury robbed O’Connor of the chance to play in Wasps’ Heineken Cup Final victory in 2004 and he had already agreed to rejoin Connacht by the time the Premiership outfit secured their second Heineken Cup triumph in 2007, but he is still remembered for his huge contribution to the cause during his time in London.

Johnny (with extra hair) in his Wasps days

O’Connor gave huge service to his home province on his return but having taken more than his fair share of knocks over the years, he has decided to hang up his boots for good.

“I’m happy with this decision I’ve come to following 14 years playing professional rugby and my body is telling me that it’s ‘my time’ now.

“I’ve enjoyed my playing career massively and it wouldn’t have been possible without all the people who’ve supported me along the way. All the coaches and support staff I’ve worked with at both Connacht and Wasps have pushed and moulded me into the player and person that I am today.

“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.

“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 wouldn’t have been able to achieve my goals if it wasn’t for the help and support of my family and friends. I’m eternally grateful to my parents and my wife Louise.

“Looking ahead to my future, I hope to remain working in the rugby industry and keep an involvement with Connacht. I have a degree in Strength & Conditioning and wish to apply that knowledge, along with my first-hand experience, in a sports performance capacity."

Johnny, of course, is a big friend of the site having helped out with our original rugby podcasts in the early days back in Galway, while also penning a series of informative articles on strength and conditioning which proved hugely popular with our readers.

Given his expertise in that area and his vast rugby experience we’re sure he won’t be out of the game for long but for now we wish him all the best in his retirement.

Thanks for the memories, Johnny.