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...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eBMjYILtDQ
Video via Irish Rugby TV
Tributes poured in for Fitzgerald as news spread...
https://twitter.com/HarpinOnRugby/status/747696331251126273
https://twitter.com/andNickMullins/status/747695509201125377
https://twitter.com/alexshawsport/status/747690633377218561
https://twitter.com/shaneoleary1/status/747698784277237760
Who can forget his outstanding try against Argentina at the 2015 World Cup?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUH7Jm2iWSY
Video via World Rugby
https://twitter.com/sportsfile/status/747699283273588736
Was there a player with better footwork in Irish rugby?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YZsAaBRpPM
Video via RUGBY HIGHLIGHTS HD
https://twitter.com/starryboy14/status/747699758949666816
https://twitter.com/gregortownsend/status/747699463611875328
