Jamie Heaslip has retired from professional rugby.
Ireland and Leinster number 8 Jamie Heaslip has announced his retirement from the game.
The 34-year-old former Ireland captain has succumbed to persistent back injury and taken the decision to retire following medical advice.
"Time will get us all, but it's cornered me earlier than I hoped," he wrote in a statement.
"Every professional sportsperson always hopes to be able to leave their chosen sport on their terms but too often that's not the case.
"I have had to take on board the medical advice that I have been given and after talking to Sheena and my family I have taken the difficult decision to retire with immediate effect from playing rugby in order to ensure my future well being.
"I'm very proud to finish my career as a one club man having played amongst some of the best in the game, who are all like a family of brothers to me."
Heaslip won 95 caps for Ireland, and was also capped five times for the British and Irish Lions.
https://twitter.com/jamieheaslip/status/968060885410381826
