RUGBY NEWS - Former Ireland captain Jamie Heaslip has ended his playing career with immediate effect on medical advice, the 34-year-old said on Monday.
Heaslip, who won 95 caps for Ireland and captained the national team 13 times, has struggled to recover from a back injury he suffered last year.
"I've had the time of my life on and off the rugby pitch but now it's time for the next chapter," he said on Twitter.
Number eight Heaslip played for Irish side Leinster and represented the British & Irish Lions in a senior career that began 14 years ago. He has not played for Ireland since facing Wales in last year's Six Nations.
"My goal when I started my career 14 years ago was to leave the jersey that I wore in a better place and I hope I have done that," Heaslip added.
