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.”
Gave it his all, just an out and out dogged grafter, which is what’s you want from your backrowers. signed my son’s jersey and couldn’t have been more polite. An absolute gent. Thanks for everything Kevin
Great player. Big loss to Irish and Leinster Rugby. Hope he stays involved in the game in some capacity as he has a lot to offer. All the best
That’s a shame. Great player and contributor to Leinster rugby. All the best to him.
Top bloke, sad to see him go.
All the best for the future Kev. Thanks for the memories.
Always sad to read this. A great servant to Leinster. Best of luck in whatever you decide to do.
Best of luck Kev- those line out steals v Leicester in the 1/4 finals kind of summed up that win for us (for me)- great performance from a true professional.
At least he has a few Ireland caps as a reward for his efforts. A gentleman on the pitch and very nearly missed out on it all a few years back. Deserves luck in the “afterlife”.
sad news. was a good player .
Showed belief and commitment to come through the injuries that dogged him til he was 25 , deserved his caps and was excellent for Leinster on so many occasions . Sad to see him go out this way , he deserves more .
Seems like a lot of players retiring lately!! Always gave it his all!! Wish him well for the future!!
Great player and total grafter that allowed others to take the plaudits . I hope he gets a break with a coaching role if he wants to continue. I suspect he’s got a lot to offer Irish and Leinster rugby.
Has ” an absolute gent” replaced ” ledge” as the cliche used to describe these guys ? Lol
Are calling Ken a CocoNUT?
is,he brown and hairy?
Sad to see a player that good having to finish like this but he has a life after rugby too , your health is your wealth Kevin , the very best of luck to you in the future