Munster and Ireland full-back Felix Jones has been forced to retire due to a neck injury.
Close to being selected for Joe Schmidt’s Ireland squad, the Dubliner was instead one of Munster’s key players at the start of the PRO12 season, however a neck injury suffered in round three against Glasgow Warriors has spelled the end of his professional career.
The 28-year-old, who made 90 appearances for Munster, missed almost a year with a neck injury back in 2009. It is not clear as yet whether or not this is a recurrence of that injury.
He becomes the latest Ireland international to be forced into retirement by injury. In the last 18 months Stephen Ferris, Damien Varley and Kevin McLaughlin have also had to hang up their boots.
The Leinster academy graduate made 13 Test appearances and Joe Schmidt’s faith in the specialist full-back looked for a long time like it might get him on the plane to the Rugby World Cup.
The 2011 Celtic League winner released a statement this afternoon in which he expressed his shock at the news.
“It is still unthinkable to believe I will never play another game of rugby. Although I have tried to round myself as an individual through education and other interests, I have always had one driving purpose in my life and that was to play rugby.
“I’m grateful I could do that in Munster. That feeling of walking out the tunnel in front of a packed Thomond Park is something I will never forget. To accept I will not play with my teammates again is beyond upsetting.
“I’m lucky to have played with so many great players, but rugby has given me something better and that is the people who are now life-long friends.
“I thank all the coaches I have been lucky enough to learn from and I look forward to seeing the development of our squad over the coming seasons.
“The guidance I have received from the medical teams in Munster and Ireland has been unfaltering. I would also like to acknowledge the consultants I have dealt with here and further abroad.
“I’m indebted to everyone who has helped me throughout my career from Seapoint my home club, Old Belvedere, Shannon and all the way up to representing Ireland. Without doubt the proudest moment of my career was being given the privilege to win my first cap for my country.”
Having already lost captain Peter O’Mahony to injury, Munster head coach Anthony Foley must cope with the permanent loss of another senior play.
“We are all hugely disappointed for Felix. He was a leading example in the way he applied himself through his commitment, work-rate and attention to detail.
“For a player to come in, embody everything that is Munster and have such a presence within the group he will be sorely missed on and off the field. We are very grateful for Felix’s immense contribution over the last six years and wish him all the best for the future.”
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