Injury forces Dowling to call time on career

MUNSTER winger Ian Dowling has been forced to retire due to a hip injury. Dowling told his team-mates before yesterday’s training at CIT and admitted afterwards he was “gutted” to be ending his career.

“It’s been a fabulous experience,” he said.

“I’ve made some great friends and take with me really great memories, the two Heineken Cup wins obviously the highlights. But besides that, I’ve had wonderful times with Munster.

“In fairness I’ve received all the help and assistance I could have asked for from the Munster medics and I’m hugely appreciative of all the time and effort they’ve put in trying to get me back. We’ve explored every avenue possible but in the end I know this is the right decision, the only one really.”

During his treatment he prepared for bad news and started a degree course in Physiotherapy in UL.

“I’d have to say I’m excited about this new direction. A lot of the skills that I needed to bring to professional rugby are transferable to what I’m doing now.

“But again I have to thank the course director who has been so supportive in facilitating my studies while I was also rehabbing this injury.

“I’ve been fortunate really. I had a great career as a professional rugby player. Enjoyed success with Munster. Got to travel the world. And am lucky now to be in the position I’m in with a new career hopefully beckoning.

“But there is a lesson here for all those looking to follow a pro rugby path. It can end abruptly. Keep that in your mind if you’re sitting in a classroom with only dreams of playing in Thomond Park.”

Dowling thanked everyone who supported him including his “coaches, fitness guys, all involved with Munster and Ireland and close friends with particular thanks to my parents John and Kitty, sister Catriona and girlfriend Gill who were always there for me in good times and bad.

“And finally, to the Munster fans, the best in the world, my heartfelt thanks for the part you played in making mine such a memorable career.”

The Kilkenny native made his Munster debut against the Lllanelli Scarlets in Musgrave Park September 2005, won 97 competitive caps and played in both the 2006 and 2008 Heineken Cup finals and won a Magners League medal in 2009.

Meanwhile it’s been confirmed that Sam Tuitupou will leave at the end of the current season. The centre is moving to an undisclosed Premiership club.