Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt has described Leinster scrum-half Eoin Reddan as a 'big loss' to Irish rugby following the announcement of his retirement.

The number nine - who also represented Munster, Connacht and Wasps - has won 70 caps for Ireland and will retire after the final Test of Ireland's tour of South Africa on Saturday, for which he has been named amongst the replacements.

Reddan has enjoyed a glittering career. He won two Heineken Cups with Leinster, along with a Challenge Cup and two Pro12 titles. He also won a Heineken Cup with Wasps, along with a Premiership title.

"To win European and domestic honours with both Wasps and Leinster has been fantastic and to taste Six Nations success with Ireland over the past three seasons has been incredible"

In a ten-year career for Ireland, Reddan appeared in three World Cups and was part of the the Six Nations title-winning squads in 2014 and 2015.

Speaking of his decision to retire and enter the aviation finance sector, Reddan said: "I have been privileged to be part of so many successful teams over the course of my career.

"To win European and domestic honours with both Wasps and Leinster has been fantastic, and to taste Six Nations success with Ireland over the past three seasons has been incredible.



"I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences that professional rugby has provided over the course of my career but feel that now is the right time to commit to the next chapter of my life and take on a new challenge.

"I have a fantastic opportunity in a dynamic industry that will bring a new set of challenges and opportunities for myself and my family. I am grateful to Leinster and the IRFU for supporting my decision to take up this opportunity."



Reddan was named on the bench for Ireland's series-deciding test against South Africa this Saturday, and head coach Joe Schmidt paid tribute to the Limerick man ahead of his final outing in the green jersey.

"Role model, that's a good summation of him," Schmidt said. "A role model of the near-perfect professional.

"He takes good care of his recovery and all those bits away from the pitch, and then at the same time, once he gets on the pitch he's always really well prepared and physically, he's got an engine on him that allows him to get the team to play with a real tempo.

"I've spent the last six years involved with Eoin, at Leinster and now with Ireland, and he's been a huge contributor, not just in his individual performances, but in the intelligence he brings to the table when we're in the leadership group and we're trying to plot a strategy.

"He'll be a big loss, but he's earned a rest."