Jamie Heaslip: Kevin McLaughlin retiring shows rugby prioritises health

Jamie Heaslip believes the decision of Leinster captain Kevin McLaughlin to retire is evidence of how seriously rugby is taking the effects of concussion and looking after affected players.

McLaughlin, 31, was on Tuesday forced to call time on a career that saw him win two Heineken Cup winners’ medals and eight caps for Ireland. The decision came on the advice of a leading neurologist due to concerns about the back row’s increasing susceptibility to concussion and the length of recovery from concussions.

McLaughlin had suffered a concussive episode during his province’s Pro12 season opener against Edinburgh earlier this month and following tests it was recommended that it would be in his best long-term interests to stop playing.