What a difference a month makes.
Back in August Kevin McLaughlin was proud to be named Leinster captain while regular skipper Jamie Heaslip was away at the Rugby World Cup, yet today he has announced his retirement at the age of 31.
Capped eight times by Ireland, the powerful flanker has become the latest rugby player to have his career cut short due to head injuries.
The Ireland international was referred to a neurologist having suffered a concussion in the opening day PRO12 defeat to Edinburgh and he was advised to quit playing due to his his increased susceptibility and lengthening recovery times.
The two-time Heineken Cup winner admitted great regret yesterday at his enforced decision.
“It is upsetting and frustrating to have to retire when I feel I have so much left to give but it is the right decision and I am glad that our medical staff were so pro-active in encouraging me to see a neurologist and getting his expert opinion. The support I have received from the club and my team-mates has been incredible and will help to soften the blow of having to having to retire from the game I love.
“It has been an absolute privilege to represent UCD, St. Mary’s, Leinster and Ireland over the years and from a rugby perspective I have no regrets. Some special memories in particular would be my first cap for Ireland in 2010 and Leinster’s PRO12 win in 2013 after having lost the previous three finals.
“The two Heineken Cups, particularly the 2012 win in Twickenham will also last long in the memory. I was lucky enough to be involved in Leinster throughout a very successful and rewarding period during which I have learned a lot about life and made lifelong friends.”
McLaughlin started both the 2011 and 2012 Heineken Cup finals, against Northampton and Ulster respectively, in a Leinster career that began in April 2007 and spanned 115 appearances. The St Mary’s clubman made his Ireland debut against Italy in the 2010 Six Nations, with his last appearance coming in the heart-breaking 2013 defeat to the All Blacks.
He played for eight seasons alongside current Leinster Rugby Head Coach Leo Cullen, who was yesterday full of praise for the man he chose to lead his inexperienced team while the World Cup drained the province of their internationals.
“Kevin is one of the most selfless players in our squad. He is the consummate pro and always put the team first. His record speaks for itself in terms of what he has achieved but outside of that his influence will live on in Leinster beyond his 115 caps for the players that were lucky enough to have worked and played with him day in, day out.
“He is a very popular member of the squad both on and off the pitch and thankfully Kevin is open to the possibility of helping out with us behind the scenes certainly in the short term and again I think that’s an indication of the esteem with which he is held within the group. We wish him all the best for the future.”
Leinster’s next match is on October 3rd at home to the Dragons. Returned hero Isa Nacewa most likely to take over as captain, but McLaughlin’s strength, experience and aggression in the back-row will be tough to replace.
