Injury forces O’Neill to retire

MUNSTER winger John O’Neill has been forced to retire from rugby with immediate effect because of injury.

O’Neill, 29, has been troubled with an ankle injury for the past 12 months and on medical advice has decided to end his rugby playing career. His last full competitive game for Munster was in the Heineken Cup final in May 2002 and the following month he travelled with the Irish squad that toured New Zealand.

A strong running wing for Munster, he was also a ferocious tackler. He will perhaps be best remembered for that now famous ‘try that wasn’t’ in the Heineken Cup semi-final against Stade Francais in Lille. In scoring that try, O’Neill showed speed, skill, strength and the presence of mind to get the touchdown which should have been rewarded with a place in the final.

On several occasions O’Neill was within reach of a place in the national squad only for injury to deny him.

Munster team manager Jerry Holland said: “It is very disappointing news indeed. John has been an integral part of the squad and his presence over the past number of seasons has contributed enormously to the success of the side. John was very popular with everyone involved and he will be hugely missed. However, it is important that the decision is the right one for the player himself and I know I speak for everyone in wishing John the very best in whatever he chooses to do in the future.”

O’Neill began his rugby playingcareer with Highfield underage before progressing to the senior side as a 17-year-old.

He moved on to play club rugby with Sunday’s Well where his performances brought him to the attention of the Munster selectors and he joined Munster ranks in 1998/1999, ending the year playing in the quarter-final of the Heineken Cup against Colomiers in France. He went on to be involved in the Heineken Cup final in Twickenham and he played in the inaugural Celtic League final. He wound up his club career as a member of Shannon.

Although forced to give up the playing side he has not ruled out a return to rugby from another angle.

“It goes without saying that I am pretty dejected about having to give up playing rugby. I thought I would have gotten a few more years out of a job I really enjoyed. But in the end the decision was made for me and now it’s a question of getting on with it.

“I had some great times, at club level, but particularly with Munster. Disappointed obviously that we never got to lift the European Cup and even more disappointed that when they do I won’t be a part of it. The priority now for me is to get myself sorted out work-wise with a view to the future. Once I have that sorted out, I’d love to return to rugby to coach.”

Elsewhere, the IRFU and the Leinster Branch have confirmed that Gary Ella has been appointed the new head coach of the Leinster Lions.

Following the successful completion of negotiations, Ella has signed a three-year contract with the province.

Commenting on the appointment, Leinster chief executive Mick Dawson said: “Leinster are delighted that Gary Ella is our new head coach. Gary has tremendous qualities as a coach and his rugby knowledge is immense.”