O'Shea forced to retire
October 30, 2001

London Irish's injury-troubled fullback Conor O'Shea has been forced to retire.

O'Shea, 31, was sidelined last year with a serious ankle injury and has finally given up his fight to return to top flight action after three operations.

"It is disappointing to finish my career like this," O'Shea told the club's official website. "However, I have had a highly enjoyable ten years playing rugby at the highest level. To have seen the introduction of professional rugby union and been able to participate in it has been very rewarding.

"I am grateful to everyone at London Irish - directors, management, players and supporters - for their encouragement and support over the past, difficult 11 months. I hope that I will be able to maintain an involvement with the club," he added

Exiles boss Brendan Venter added: "As a player Conor has made a massive contribution both as an international and as a club player.

"He is one of the best full-backs I have ever played with. From a management point of view, he has been part of the rugby department management since I arrived and has provided invaluable support to me. From a personal point of view, he is a very good friend who deserves to bow out of the game at the top."

O'Shea has played 127 times for Irish, amassing 412 points, and has 35 caps for Ireland.

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