JOHNNY SEXTON SAYS Ireland and Leinster wouldn’t have enjoyed the same level of success in recent years without Mike Ross, who today announced he will retire from rugby at the end of the season.
The 37-year-old prop will hang up his boots when the current campaign draws to a close after winning 61 caps for Ireland and representing Leinster 151 times, and counting.
Ross joined the eastern province in 2009 and quickly became the cornerstone of the Leinster and Ireland scrum, helping both club and country to silverware during a 12-year professional career.
The Cork native was part of two Six Nations-winning sides under Joe Schmidt and played an integral role in Leinster’s two Heineken Cup victories, two Pro12 title wins and their Challenge Cup success.
Speaking at the launch of the Bank of Ireland Leinster Rugby Camps this afternoon, Sexton said the whole squad will miss Ross when he moves on to the next chapter of his career.
“We’re going to miss Mike desperately on and off the pitch, he’s had a huge impact,” the out-half said.
“I don’t think we would have won the trophies we have without him. We will miss him, he’s done a great job with young guys coming through.
“He’s passionate about scrummaging and computers. He’s finishing up one passion but is starting up another and we’ll all miss him on and off the pitch.”
Fellow prop Jack McGrath also paid tribute to Ross, admitting it was a ‘sad day’.
“He’s given so much to club and country and won so much with both teams,” McGrath added.
“He’s leaving in a happy place and leaving both Ireland and Leinster in a better place.
“It’s a sad day, he’s going to leave a void because he’s a big character in the room but we all wish him the best and hopefully we’ll give him a big send off by winning a trophy.
“When you think about it, it’s mad to think about where he came from and what he’s done. It’s a testament to the man, he never gave up and just kept on trucking and became such an integral part of the teams he played in.
“There wouldn’t have been trophies won without him but it’s not over just yet. There’s still a few more games for him to play.”
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People talk of legends like O’Driscoll, O’Connell and O’Gara, but Mike Ross deserves the plaudets hes received today. Sexton is right, without him being so solid and almost always fit Leinster and Ireland would not be where they are today.
They have to keep him on as academy scrum coach !
The fastest Leinster player over 100 meters. Incredible step when the moment was right. Agile and lightning quick. These are things that will never be said about Mike Ross. But he was absolutely integral to Leinster and Ireland’s recent successes and will be one of Ireland’s most underrated players.
What an absolute legend. A pillar to the Irish and Leinster pack and will be sorely missed.
We have been incredibly lucky with our tightheads over the last number of years, Ross and Hayes before him were top class in their position and almost always available. Hopefully Furlong can keep that up and Ryan can push him on
His replacement Furlong has become a nations favourite but everybody respected Ross and knew his importance
Is this the same Mike Ross that didn’t go to Harford?