Shaggy forced to call it quits

Leinster and Ireland winger Shane Horgan has been forced to call time on what was a distinguished career at provincial and international level.

The 33-year old Meath native has been plagued with a long-standing knee injury of late and like his international colleague, Munster star Jerry Flannery, Horgan has been forced to call a premature end to his rugby career.

And what a career it was. At international level, Horgan won 65 caps, scored 21 tries, took part in two World Cups and was part of three Triple-Crown winning sides.

He made his Leinster debut way back in 1998 and made 207 appearances for the province up until the Magners League Final against Munster last May, which few would have predicted would have been his last game for the Blues.

Horgan scored an impressive 71 tries – and let’s not forget, one drop goal – throughout his Leinster career, including 27 in 87 Heineken Cup appearances. He was an integral part of the Heineken Cup-winning sides of 2009 and 2011 and also had Celtic League (2002) and Magners League (2008) winning medals to add to his already heaving collection.

Amidst all of that, it should also be remembered that Horgan played minor football for Meath before turning his attention to the oval ball.

Commenting on his decision to call it a day, Horgan said: "Every professional sportsman realises that at some point their career will come to an end. I have been extremely fortunate to have played regularly for my province and with Ireland since my debut with Leinster in 1998 and while I am disappointed that injury has forced me to retire now, I know I have been very lucky to have had such a long and largely injury-free career.

"The support and expertise of the medical and fitness teams in Leinster and Ireland through the years has been first class. Their help, especially through the course of this injury, has been incredible.

"It has been a tremendous honour to represent my province and my country.  When you first start playing sport that is the ultimate ambition but few people are lucky enough to realise it. I am just so grateful that I was given that opportunity. I am equally fortunate to have played at a time when Leinster and Ireland experienced such great success and alongside a group of players with unprecedented talent and ambition.

"I want to thank the IRFU and Leinster, my playing colleagues and friends in the game and the many people who helped to shape and influence my career at different points over the last 14 years. I would also like to thank Lansdowne FC and my home club of Boyne RFC for their continuous support since I started playing the game. My family has always been my principal guiding influence and support, so public acknowledgment today is but a small element of the appreciation I owe them.

"To perform at the top of any professional sport players need good coaches and Ireland has been well served during my time with the National squad.  At Leinster, to have played under Mike Ruddock, Matt Williams, Michael Cheika and, as it turned out for the last season of my career, Joe Schmidt, represents the kind of good fortune that only "lucky" players get.

"My final expression of thanks is to the supporters of both Ireland and Leinster with whom I have shared some special days that I will never forget."

Leinster Coach Joe Schmidt added: "As one of the longest serving players in the professional age, Shane will no doubt go down as one of the greats of Leinster and Irish rugby. He was a strong leader within the group whose contribution off the field mirrored his many feats on it.

"It was great to be involved with Shane last season where his performances contributed so much to the success of the team. It was fitting that his final season culminated in a second Heineken Cup success.

"The last year has been a frustrating one for Shane with knee surgery and long periods of rehabilitation. Unfortunately, despite his best efforts, he has been unable to regain full fitness. It is a testament to Shane that his professionalism and influence have continued to impact positively on the group during this season.

"A born winner and resilient competitor, Shane's retirement will no doubt leave a void in the group, but I know that his legacy of excellence and athleticism will continue to inspire future generations and we wish him all the best in the future."

There are numerous moments that stand out from Horgan’s career, but our favourite is his magnificent try against England in Croke Park in 2007. Thanks for the memories, Shaggy.