Jamie Heaslip has called it a day.
Following the announcement of his retirement from professional rugby, fans of the game have paid tribute to Jamie Heaslip on Monday morning.
“Time will get us all, but it’s cornered me earlier than I hoped,” the 34-year-old 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.”
An excellent ambassador for the game of rugby – @jamieheaslip gave us some amazing memories. Best of luck with the next stage of your career. https://t.co/13ME1JikNB
— Stephen O'Leary (@stephenoleary) February 26, 2018
Relive the greatest Ireland try of the Joe Schmidt reign finished off by Jamie Heaslip https://t.co/z0voBFadbk
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) February 26, 2018
3 Six Nations
1 Grand Slam
3 European Cups
3 league titles
1 Challenge Cup
2 Lions Tours
1 Try of Yearhttps://t.co/246Ux992aW— Pat McCarry (@patmccarry) February 26, 2018
He was an exceptional player, who had an outstanding career. We’ll discuss it on @lstwrd @todayfm later. https://t.co/NYJTlSJEIR
— Matt Cooper (@cooper_m) February 26, 2018
Huge congratulations to @jamieheaslip on an incredible career. A beast of a player and a gentleman all the way through.
"Jamie Heaslip announces his retirement with immediate effect"https://t.co/qgmUhCFmY6— Jarlath Regan (@Jarlath) February 26, 2018
Jamie Heaslip retires. An absolute dynamo during the Heineken Cup & Grand Slam years. Played the game the way we’d all like to in our dreams. https://t.co/u6go9oWOvt
— Nick Mullins (@andNickMullins) February 26, 2018
BREAKING: Jamie Heaslip retires! Best Wishes for the future Jamie. What a servant to @IrishRugby & @leinsterrugby – and I always found him very courteous and helpful. Lots more success ahead.. https://t.co/Nighc1ge1g
— Des Cahill (@sportsdes) February 26, 2018
Remember the experts that questioned the validity of Jamie Heaslip's lower back injury that ruled him out of the England Test and got Peter O'Mahony in? All part of a Joe Schmidt ruse? Heaslip never played again. At his best, a brilliant 8 over a long period of time
— Daragh Ó Conchúir (@RebelDevil71) February 26, 2018
