Hickie to retire after World Cup
The surprise decision was announced yesterday, just 24 hours after Hickie was named in Ireland’s squad for the tournament in France next month, and prompted words of praise from Irish coach Eddie O’Sullivan.
Hickie is a 58-cap veteran since making a try-scoring debut against Wales in 1997 scoring 29 international tries to date.
Said Hickie: “I have had a very enjoyable and fulfilling career as a professional rugby player. I entered the senior ranks at the dawn of the professional era and benefited from all the advances made in that time.
“It is a decision that I have not come to hastily and, as a result, I am content that it is both the right thing for me to do and that I am doing it at the right time.
“But, for now, my focus is entirely on doing everything I can to help Ireland win the Rugby World Cup. I have chosen to make this announcement now in the interest of letting Michael Cheika and all at Leinster Rugby prepare accordingly for the upcoming season”
Commenting on Hickie’s decision, O’Sullivan said: “I think Denis will be remembered as one of the great wingers of Irish rugby. From my first encounter with him as Irish U-21 coach, I knew he was destined for a great career with Ireland. He has always been the consummate professional, as is reflected in his performances with Ireland. I wish him every success in his retirement, but not before he continues to have a major impact with us at Rugby World Cup.”
Philip Browne, chief executive of the IRFU, also added to the plaudits: “Denis has been a wonderful servant to Leinster, Ireland and the overall game of rugby throughout his career. His natural talent and also his dedication right from the early days of professionalism has set him apart as one of Ireland’s great players.”
Leinster Chief Executive Michael Dawson commented: “Denis has been an outstanding ambassador for Leinster and Irish rugby since making his debut for the province back in 1996. He has gone on to become one of the province’s most decorated players, amassing a total of 130 senior appearances and his try-scoring ratio, a fraction shy of one every two games, is second to none on the world stage.”
Cheika expressed disappointing at losing “a very fine player” but thanked him for the “wonderful contribution he has made to Leinster rugby.”
Ireland are in Cap Breton in the South of France for warm weather training and will mix training with a game against Bayonne on Thursday night.
On arrival, delighted back row forward Stephen Ferris described his selection in the 30-man squad as the high point of his career.
“The last 18 months have been exciting for me, from playing regularly for Ulster, winning my first cap last November and touring Argentina,” he said.
“A World Cup is the pinnacle for international rugby and I would never have thought before this season that I would be in this position,” he said.
And he believes Ireland really do have a chance, citing competition for places in the back row as an indication of how strong the game is at home.
Another back row named in the squad and one who carries a wealth of experience is Alan Quinlan.
He said: “There have been some anxious moments over the last couple of weeks, but I was delighted to hear the news that I had made the squad.
“I suppose I have not had an awful amount of luck over the last four years of my career, but I have worked hard over the last number of months to get myself in good shape.”
Meanwhile, Ulster’s new hooker Neil Hanna looks set to miss the 2007-08 season with a knee injury. Hanna, who joined Ulster Rugby this summer from English Division One side Rotherham, sustained the injury to his knee in training and, following an investigation and orthopedic opinion, will require reconstructive surgery. It is anticipated that he will need to undergo a period of rehabilitation lasting from 6-9 months.
On a more positive note, Ulster lock Matt McCullough returned to pitch-work this week following foot surgery.
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