Nacewa’s final season

Joe Schmidt has lauded Isa Nacewa for his contribution to Leinster on and off the field after confirmation the 30-year old is to retire from rugby and return home to New Zealand at the end of the season due to family reasons.

Nacewa joined Leinster in 2008, has won three Heineken Cups with the province and is to date the only non-Irishman to have been voted Irish Rugby Union Players’ Association (IRUPA) player of the year, in 2011.

“I’ve known Isa for a number of years,” said Schmidt, who is expected to announce a replacement in the coming weeks. “He’s universally respected due to the quality of his character, his athleticism, skill and commitment. He has been great value for us, not just on the field where he has provided a string of highlights but off the field also.”