Munster prop Brian Scott has said that he is "devastated" over being forced to end his career prematurely due to a long term foot injury.
The province have confirmed that the 27-year-old has been advised to retire on medical grounds due to a foot ligament injury he sustained in December 2018 playing AIL rugby with Cork Constitution.
Scott expressed great gratitude toward the medical people who tried to get his career back on track.
"I’m devastated to be finishing my career prematurely. The last 15 months have been incredibly testing and unfortunately I did not come out on the right side of it," said Scott.
"I have great confidence in knowing the medical team and I have tried and given everything to this and done everything possible to regain full fitness.
"I have huge gratitude for the physios and the doctors for everything they did for me."
After joining the Munster academy in 2013, the former U20 Ireland international made his senior debut for the province in September 2016 against Scarlets in the PRO12.
He then made his Champions Cup bow against Glasgow at Thomond Park the following month and went on to make 26 appearances for the Reds while scoring two tries.
His last appearance was in 2018 while he had signed a deal that year to stay with the province until 2021.
"I look back at my journey through rugby with great happiness," added Scott.
"From my club games, school games in PBC and coming up through the Munster Rugby system. It was a childhood dream of mine to play for Munster Rugby and I’m incredibly proud to say I got to do so.
"I grew up attending Munster matches with my grandad and the club and its fans will always have a special place in my heart. I am first and foremost a Munster man."
"Throughout my career I have been supported and helped by many people.
"I would like to thank my family, my girlfriend, my friends, my team-mates and the coaches who have guided me from the beginning.
"They have all helped me personally develop and I can’t thank them enough for that.
"My time with Munster has meant everything to me and I look forward to continuing to support Munster Rugby. I wish all my team-mates the greatest success in the coming years."
Munster Head Coach Johann van Graan commented: "I want to wish Brian all the best for the future and thank him for everything he has done for Munster.
"It’s a difficult time for any player to have to finish early through injury, but Brian should be very proud of everything he has achieved in representing the province."
The sad news comes less than a week after Munster outhalf Tyler Bleyendaal was forced to retire.
The 29-year-old was advised to stop playing because of a neck injury.
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