BREAKING: Leinster Rugby confirms Luke Fitzgerald is retiring
According to emerging reports, Luke Fitzgerald is officially retiring from professional rugby.
The 28-year-old Co Wicklow-native, who sustained a neck injury in recent months, has been advised by professionals to retire on medical grounds.
Luke, who played back for Leinster, Ireland and British & Irish Lions, confirmed reports circulating on social media while speaking to leinsterrugby.ie, saying: "I've had a wonderful rugby career which makes it easy for me to move on to the next stage of my life."
Thanks @lukefitz11 for everything you did in blue & green. Best wishes for the future. pic.twitter.com/dWeGMZaJNO
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) June 28, 2016
"It's been an amazing journey in which I got to experience the highs and lows that come with professional sport and I have learned a huge amount from each experience," he added.
"I'm very thankful for the opportunities I have had, the people with whom I've worked and the lifelong friends I have made."
BREAKING: @lukefitz11 to retire from professional rugby #ThanksLuke pic.twitter.com/W1M4hy0d1I
— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) June 28, 2016
Acknowledging the highlights of his sporting career, he finished by saying: "It's been an honour and a privilege to represent my province, my country and the British & Irish Lions during my career and I'm glad to finish my career as a 'one club man'."
Luke made his Leinster debut in September 2006 against Edinburgh before making a further 17 appearances for Leinster in his debut season.
