Aviva Premiership
Kieran Roche to call time on career
ESPNscrum Staff
May 3, 2012
Kieran Roche will call time on his career after Saturday's game © Getty Images
Enlarge
Related Links
Players/Officials: Kieran Roche
Tournaments/Tours: Aviva Premiership

London Irish stalwart Kieran Roche has opted to hang up his boots and pursue a different career.

Roche joined the Exiles back in 2003 and has since made 179 appearances. The versatile forward, who can play in both the second-row and the back-row, joins fellow lock Bob Casey in opting to retire from the game. Exiles head coach Toby Booth has paid tribute to Roche and labelled him "one of London Irish's greatest servants".

Roche is now eyeing a winning send-off when his side host Gloucester on Saturday in their final match of the 2011-12 Premiership season.

"I would like to thank everyone who has played a part in my rugby career, from my school days onwards, including the players, coaches and support staff that I have worked alongside both at Saracens and London Irish," Roche said. "I would also like to thank the supporters of both clubs; particularly those at London Irish who have made me feel a real part of such a great club for the last 10 years. A special thank you goes to my family who have given so much in support of my rugby.

"As with all players moving on from the game I will leave having made many lifelong friends and with many great memories of my time playing rugby. I'm looking forward to taking to the field one last time for London Irish at Madejski Stadium this weekend alongside some of those friends and hoping for a victorious send off for everyone who is moving on."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices