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21st August 2016
09:42am BST

Brian O'Driscoll congratulates Willis for his part in a Leinster try, in 2006[/caption]
Speaking to The Irish Examiner after hanging up his boots in 2011, Willis said:
"Sometime you need some luck and maybe I didn’t have that with injuries. I have broken around 15 bones, have had double vision in one eye after an operation and my back has been giving me problems. “And when you look at all the retirements from the pro game lately it makes you think. What will it be like in 10 or 15 years? The game is played at a phenomenal intensity with massive men bashing off each other. It is a massively rewarding game to play but is unbelievably attritional."In the end, one of the last hits Willis received on the field of play could turn out to be the most costly for his long-term health. Sale Sharks have refused to comment on the case as it is ongoing. On Wednesday of this week, Connacht's Dave McSharry (26) retired due to concussion. Last season, Declan Fitzpatrick and Kevin McLaughlin were both advised to retire after sustaining multiple head injuries. Massive Mayo v Tipperary preview plus a big interview with Eamon McGee in the latest GAA Hour. Subscribe here on iTunes.
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