KEVIN MCLAUGHLIN, LEINSTER’S captain during the opening portion of this season, has been forced to retire on medical grounds.
The province have today announced that the flanker, who turned 31 at the weekend, has been advised to retire from the game due to “concerns about his increasing susceptibility to concussion and the length of recovery.”
McLaughlin was referred to a neurologist after sustaining his most recent concussion on the opening day of the Pro12 season in Edinburgh and the resulting recommendation was that the St Mary’s clubman should cut his career short.
“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,”said McLaughlin after 115 appearances for his province and eight caps for his country in a career spanning eight years.
“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.”
Head coach Leo Cullen, who installed McLaughlin as interim captain during the Rugby World Cup period, added:
“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.”
Comes across as much more level headed than people would have you believe. Great for the LOI too if he plays – shows youngsters that there’s an alternative to rotting in the reserves or lower leagues in England away from their family and friends
Really hope he gets his debut today, great player and fully deserved
Hope he gets some game time tonight. He’s been fantastic this season for Rovers. His attitude is top class as well. Always encouraging his team mates and whilst getting kicked around by the opposition when they can get near him, not once has he shown one bit of retaliation.
Top man.
Start and prove yourself all over again you can do it
I hope Rovers signed him to a 3 year contract so they are properly compensated if Jack is sold on. Hate seeing top league of Ireland talent leave for free or peanuts while marginally better off SPL clubs (outside the big 2) can bring in millions in transfer fees. Hamilton selling James McCarthy for over 5 million being the prime example
@Sean: it’s horrible how much league of Ireland clubs have lost out on. I know they are under severe financial contraints no thanks to our useless association but the short term 1/2 contracts that they hand out don’t help.
It’s time for our best young players to recognise that England isn’t the be all and end all in terms of success. There are Irish players capable of playing for teams in the top divisions of Europe’s best leagues but instead they’re rotting playing poor football with dinosaur clubs in the championship. They’d get better technical football educations in Spain, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium and Italy to name a few. Byrne seems a good lad and I wish him well!
Himself and Danny madroue of bohs are technically two of the best players ireland have at any level
without a doubt one of the most creative players in the squad at the minute
glen Whelan was picked above him the other night just let that sink in
@Jonnie Kenny: So was Darran Randolph ya muppet, Whelan is an experienced holding midfielder,which is what was required against a hugely experienced Swiss side,If you think Mick should have picked Byrne in a game of that importance then your knowledge of football is even worse than your post indicates
I really hope he gets good game time, if he gets on the pitch. Talented young man and confident on the ball too. Give him the space, freedom and time to let him show the nation what he’s worth! Go on Jack!!
Would not play this guy on a Sunday morning side let alone a international side come on mick McCarthy. You can do better
@Jock O’neill: just shows you know nothing about football Jock and your name suits you
@Jock O’neill: played really well and made a difference when he came on. Awkward for you
Thought this was an article about that jetted ballbag Sergio Ramos!