LEINSTER HAVE BEEN dealt a significant blow with news that Isa Nacewa will leave at the end of the current season.

The versatile New Zealander has been excellent for the province since arriving in 2008 – earning 116 caps as an important part of the team which won three Heineken Cup titles.

This morning, however, it was announced that the 30-year-old will depart Ireland and retire from professional rugby altogether due to family reasons.

Coach Joe Schmidt sang has praises, saying: “I’ve known Isa for a number of years. He’s universally respected due to the quality of his character, his athleticism, skill and commitment.

He has been great value for us, not just on the field where he has provided a string of highlights but off the field also, where he has contributed enormously to the development of the players around him.”

“He’s hugely popular amongst supporters and hopefully they will enjoy a few more outstanding performances from Isa in the coming weeks.”

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