LEINSTER HAVE LOST a talented centre of genuine attacking skill after Eoin O’Malley was forced to retire early from the game.

O’Malley, 25, incurred a bad knee injury near the end of the 2012 season and struggled to return last season. His comeback to the senior team was repeatedly pushed back but he did feature near the season.

54-times capped with Leinster, O’Malley commented, “It is obviously an incredibly tough reality that I am still trying to come to terms with. After exhausting all options I am devastated to be retiring from the game. But I am so fortunate to have such a great support base.

“I would like to say a very special thank you to my family, girlfriend, friends and Leinster team-mates who have been so supportive – especially over the last few months.” He added:

I owe an awful lot to my team-mates and all of the staff at Leinster. Naturally, as with any long term injury, you inevitably end up spending a lot of time with the physiotherapists, the strength and conditioning coaches and the doctors, so I would like to say a particular thank you to them.”

“At the age of 25,” he commented, “it is surreal to be reflecting on your career, especially when I hoped there were many more years ahead for me. Having had a bit of time to reflect on this day coming I look back with real pride; firstly by getting into the Leinster Academy and then progressing up the ranks to [the senior] squad who would go on to have such a successful number of years.”

Leinster team manager Guy Easterby called O’Malley’s retirement ‘a significant loss to the squad’. He added, “It is sad that a player with so much potential has to end his career at this point, but he does so with our sincere thanks for his contribution to Leinster’s success. A hugely popular man, he can look back on his career with great pride and we wish him well with the next chapter in his life.”