Sad news as Ireland and Leinster’s Luke Fitzgerald forced to retire from rugby

Sad news.

Luke Fitzgerald has retired from rugby. The Ireland and Leinster wing is just 28-years-old, but has been advised by doctors to walk away from the sport following a neck injury suffered during the PRO12 final against Connacht. Fitzgerald played 34 times for Ireland and has been part of the Leinster squad since 2006. He was also part of the British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa in 2009. Upon announcing his retirement on Tuesday morning, Fitzgerald released a statement on Leinster's official website:

"I've had a wonderful rugby career which makes it easy for me to move on to the next stage of my life. It's been an amazing journey in which I got to experience the highs and lows that come with professional sport and I have learned a huge amount from each experience. I'm now building on that foundation through completing my business degree. "I'm very thankful for the opportunities I have had, the people with whom I've worked and the lifelong friends I have made. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the medical staff and coaches I've worked with throughout my career and at Blackrock College. It's been an honour and a privilege to represent my province, my country and the British & Irish Lions during my career and I'm glad to finish my career as a 'one club man'. "The support I got whilst playing for all three teams during the good times and the tough times is something I'll cherish and never forget for the rest of my life. "I'd like to acknowledge my parents, Andrea and Des, my siblings Rachel, Rebecca, Sarah and Aaron for their incredible support throughout the course of my rugby career. "Lastly, I'd like to wish everyone in Leinster and Irish rugby the best for the future and I look forward to taking my place in the stand supporting everyone in the future."