Concussions force retirement of Leinster hooker

Leinster and Ireland hooker John Fogarty has announced his retirement from rugby as a result of health difficulties brought on by repeated concussions.

Cork-born Fogarty, 33, also played for Connacht and Munster in his career and won his only cap for Ireland as a replacement against New Zealand during the summer tour.

Fogarty won the Heineken Cup with Leinster in 2009 and won the Celtic League with Munster in his time with the province. Fogarty won 12 caps for the Ireland ‘A’ side, including three as captain. His brother Denis, also a hooker, is currently a member of the Munster squad.