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03rd Jan 2016

Huge blow for Dublin as All-Star full back Rory O’Carroll moves to New Zealand

Conan Doherty

The rest of Leinster watching on thinking, ‘okay, now get rid of the other 23.’

Rory O’Carroll will not play a part of Dublin’s 2016 campaign, it has been confirmed.

Jim Gavin told the media after his side’s opening game in the O’Byrne Cup that his All-Star full back is moving to New Zealand and will be gone for at least a full season.

Dublin got their defence of a clean sweep of trophies in 2015 off to a deadlocked start having been held by Wexford in Enniscorthy, 2-6 to 0-12.

Now, there is a vacancy at number three for the capital city outfit with news that their 26-year-old Kilmacud Crokes full back has left the squad.

Jim Gavin celebrates with Rory O'Carroll 20/9/2015

“Rory has decided to move away,” Jim Gavin confirmed on Sunday. “He’s moving to New Zealand so he won’t be part of the Dublin squad for the 2016 season. We wish him the very best. We’ve always said to players that it’s important to get a life balance. We’ll miss him.

“In the past it was more pivotal, full back. We’ve got a big squad. It’s a great opportunity for Rory to go away and experience a different culture and lifestyle for a year or two and it’s a great opportunity for the gap that he’s left. I’m sure there will be players pushing for that particular position.”

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