Leinster captain Kevin McLaughlin has been forced to announce his retirement from rugby.
The former Irish international has been advised to retire on medical grounds.
The flanker suffered a concussion against Edinburgh during the opening Guinness Pro12 game of the new season and, following tests, it was recommended that it would be in his best long-term interests to stop playing.
The 31-year-old, who had been appointed as Leinster captain during the Rugby World Cup, says that it is "upsetting and frustrating to have to retire" but adds that he knows it is "the right decision".
In a statement, McLaughlin said: "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. 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 retire from the game I love.
"It has been an absolute privilege to represent UCD, St. Mary's, Leinster and Ireland over the years and from a rugby perspective I have no regrets. Some special memories in particular would be my first cap for Ireland in 2010 and Leinster's PRO12 win in 2013 after having lost the previous three finals.
"The two Heineken Cups, particularly the 2012 win in Twickenham will also last long in the memory. I was lucky enough to be involved in Leinster throughout a very successful and rewarding period during which I have learned a lot about life and made lifelong friends."
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
