‘Big loss to Munster and Ireland’ as Leamy retires

Tributes were paid last night to Denis Leamy, who has been forced to retire from professional rugby due to a serious hip injury.

The Munster and Irish number eight, who played 144 games for Munster and 57 for Ireland over a decade, was hailed by iconic former Munster skipper Anthony Foley. The current Munster forwards coach and ex-Irish international described Leamy’s retirement as a huge blow to the province.

“It is obviously a huge disappointment for the player and a big loss to Munster and to Ireland too. I would have thought he had plenty more years ahead of him, he was a leader both on and off the pitch and his presence will be sorely missed within and around the squad; it’s a big void to fill and we’re all disappointed that his career has been cut short.”