Munster and Ireland winger Andrew Conway has announced his immediate retirement from professional rugby due to a knee injury.
The 32-year-old has been advised to hang up his boots by medical staff after a career which saw him earn 30 Ireland caps alongside 150 appearances for Munster.
Conway retires as Munster’s third highest try scorer of all time with 50 tries, and scored 15 tries for his country.
He scored a try in his final game in the sport against the Sharks for Munster at the start of this season. Conway helped Ireland to the triple crown in the 2022 Six Nations, and was part of the side that won a series in Australia for the first time since 1979.
Injury had ruled him out of this year’s Grand Slam winning side, and the World Cup in France.
“I’ve been very fortunate to have been coached by some fantastic people,” said Conway upon announcing his retirement. “Thank you all. In particular to Felix Jones for showing me the way, Andy Farrell for having such belief in me and Graham Rowntree for your support in these tough times.
“To my teammates from my first Leinster cap in 2010 all the way to my last Munster cap last month. It was an honour to go to battle with you all. I’m more grateful than words can express.
“My love for Munster goes back to the 2006 European Cup final in Cardiff with my Dad. I’ll never forget walking into the stadium to see it full of red jerseys, the cameras panning to O’Connell street in Limerick… it was always Munster. To play for this great club was the best decision I ever made. Thank you to all the Munster supporters that embraced me as one of your own!
“Lastly, I’ll miss the big days in red and green but not as much as the daily pursuit and shared team goal of reaching our potential.
“I’m not exactly sure what is next but I’m very excited to take all the learnings from the last 14 years into the next chapter.”
“Along with being outstanding on the field, he is such an important part of the group off the field and a person who contributed so much to this province.” said Munster head coach Graham Rowntree.
“He was a huge fans’ favourite and just an incredibly talented player who you could always rely on. He worked tirelessly to get back playing and I was delighted to see him score his 50th Munster try on his 150th appearance against Sharks last month.
“A brilliant professional, he has been a pleasure to work with and I know he is going to go on and enjoy more success in whatever he chooses to do next.
“We wish Andy and his family all the best.”
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
