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."

"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."

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.