Health concerns force Best to call time on career

IT seems only like the other day that the Irish World Cup squad in their hotel in Bordeaux heard that a potentially serious illness had befallen Simon Best, one of the most popular members of the entire party.

He had been strolling around the streets of Bordeaux with his friend Paddy Wallace when he complained of chest pains.

He was quickly diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat. Although soon out of danger, he has been undergoing constant monitoring to determine if he would be able to resume training at the highest level.

The Ulster and Ireland prop has had no further episodes nor has he suffered any long term effects, but his medical advisers have advised against resuming the intense levels of training and playing required for a professional career in rugby football.

Accordingly, Best, 30 on February 11 and winner of 23 Irish caps, reluctantly announced his retirement from the game.

“Simon has been an integral member of the Ireland squad since he won his first cap in 2003,’’ said Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan last night. “He was an incredibly honest, talented and hard working player in every aspect of his participation in the game and a model professional. In addition to that, he was and still is an extremely popular guy with all the players and it is very unfortunate that his career has been cut short when he still had so much more to offer Irish Rugby. I would like to wish Simon and his family the best of luck for the future.”

Best represented and captained Ulster, Ireland A and Ireland in a career that also saw him capped at international, schools, U19, U21 and U23 levels.

He won his first senior Ireland cap as a replacement against Tonga in June 2003 and made his first start the following August in the Rugby World Cup warm up game against Wales.

He was subsequently selected in the 2003 Rugby World Cup squad.

“It is with great sadness that I am forced to retire from the game at this stage in my career,” Best said. “However, I have no regrets and feel immensely proud and privileged to have represented both Ulster and Ireland for the past nine years.

“I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with coaches, management and players that I have had the utmost respect for and have formed lifelong friendships with many.”