Leinster back Niall Morris has been forced into an early retirement from after failing to recover sufficiently from an ankle injury.
Morris, 28, had played in two of the Bank of Ireland Pre-Season friendlies for the province but after consultation with the Leinster medical team, was advised to call time on his career.
"Unfortunately my ankle, which I fractured and dislocated in an incident against Bath in May 2015 and have rehabbed for 15 months wasn't right after the Gloucester game, so I decided to seek further opinion and in the end I've been left with no choice but to retire from professional rugby," he said today in a statement released by Leinster.
"While at 28 I'm disappointed that my rugby career has come to an end, having completed a degree in Business and Legal Studies at UCD and recently passed CFA Level 1, I feel I am well positioned to make what is a difficult transition and I am excited about what lies ahead."
"I have had some wonderful moments with Blackrock College, with Leinster and of course with Leicester Tigers and I look back upon all those years with fond memories. I am also extremely grateful to Leo and the rest of the Leinster coaching team for giving me this opportunity to prove myself in a Leinster jersey once again. It was a great feeling to pull on that jersey in Navan and in Tallaght and I gave it my all to get back there and to wear it once more. I wish the team every success for the season ahead.
He added: "Finally I'd like to thank my family, girlfriend and friends for their support over the last few weeks and indeed over my career."
Niall Morris played for the Ireland U20s and for the Emerging Ireland team on three occasions. Image: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
Morris spent two spells with Leinster, either side of an extremely prosperous career with English Premiership side, Leicester Tigers. The Dubliner appeared 75 times for the club and scoring 18 tries in his five seasons.
A year after signing for the club, Leicester lifted the Premiership title and Morris even scored a try in the final against Northampton.
"Since Niall re-joined Leinster on a short term deal, he has worked incredibly hard to get himself back playing at the highest level," said Leinster head coach, Leo Cullen.
"We could see during our games against Ulster and Gloucester the quality that Niall can bring to a team so we are very disappointed to hear that he now won't be able to continue playing.
"All the players and staff would like to congratulate Niall on what he achieved in the game and wish him the very best for what he focuses his energy on next."
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.
