TWEETS: Tributes pour in as Luke Fitzgerald retires from professional rugby
Sad news for an extremely talented player...
Leinster Rugby confirmed this morning that Luke Fitzgerald has retired from professional rugby with immediate effect.
Fitzgerald suffered a neck injury in Leinster's Pro 12 Final loss to Connacht and had been advised to retire on medical grounds.
The winger won a Grand Slam with Ireland in 2009, a Six Nations title in 2015, three Heineken Cups with Leinster, one Challenge Cup, three Pro 12 titles and he toured South Africa with the Lions in 2009.
A pretty impressive CV...
One of the most talented players Ireland has produced over the last ten years, his career was stalled numerous times through injury but there was always flashes of brilliance in his play.
We wish Luke all the best in his retirement and we think back to happier times for the Leinster man...
Video via Irish Rugby TV
Tributes poured in for Fitzgerald as news spread...
Luke Fitzgerald retirement made official... not surprising but still terrible news. Best wishes to him for the future.
— Harpin' On Rugby (@HarpinOnRugby) June 28, 2016
Luke Fitzgerald retires after injury in the Pro12 final. A wonderful player to watch when the wind was in his sails. https://t.co/L64LmwUhBR
— Nick Mullins (@andNickMullins) June 28, 2016
Leinster announce that Luke Fitzgerald has retired from rugby due to a neck injury. Such a shame. Only 28 years old.
— Alex Shaw (@alexshawsport) June 28, 2016
Awful news about @lukefitz11 this morning. Happening more regularly in pro rugby, does something need to change? https://t.co/PVorqm4nVA
— Shane O Leary (@shaneoleary1) June 28, 2016
Who can forget his outstanding try against Argentina at the 2015 World Cup?
Video via World Rugby
Thank you Luke for the good days. Luke Fitzgerald retires from all rugby. #ThanksLuke pic.twitter.com/P2ZSpCGImi
— sportsfile (@sportsfile) June 28, 2016
Was there a player with better footwork in Irish rugby?
Video via RUGBY HIGHLIGHTS HD
Got to know @lukefitz11 over the years. Top man and a great player for both Ireland and Leinster. Will be hugely missed with both. #slamhero
— Kieran Donaghy (@starryboy14) June 28, 2016
Sorry to hear that @lukefitz11 has had to retire. A brilliant rugby player - elusive, explosive and ran some top quality support lines.
— Gregor Townsend (@gregortownsend) June 28, 2016
