Munster hooker Damien Varley has been forced to announce his retirement.
The 31-year-old has had to admit defeat in his battle to recover from a foot injury that he suffered during a training session in July of last year.
The Clare native, who won three caps for Ireland, had attempted to make his return from the injury last October only to suffer a recurrence and he has now been advised by his surgeon that he must retire from competitive action on medical grounds.
Paying tribute, Munster head coach Anthony Foley says that Varley's contribution to the squad was "so much more than his rugby skill set", adding that the hooker had always led by example with his "attitude, professionalism and work ethic on and off the field."
Commenting on his decision, Varley said: "It is with great sadness that I have to announce my premature retirement. Like so many before me I will look back at my time in Munster with immense pride and fondness, not only for the sport, but for the people that I have played with, worked with and the friendships I have made."
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