Felix Jones: Munster farewell ‘beyond upsetting’

Munster rugby was rocked yesterday with the sad news that Irish international Felix Jones has been forced to retire from the game on medical grounds.

Jones had been battling a neck injury sustained during the Pro12 clash with Glasgow — not the first time he had damaged his neck — and yesterday he admitted defeat in his recovery bid.

The 28-year-old former Seapoint and Leinster Academy player has been one of the most popular players to wear the Munster shirt since his arrival down south; he has made 90 appearances for the province, scoring 10 tries, made five appearances for Ireland A and he went on to win another 15 caps for Ireland at senior level.

In a statement, Jones commented: “It is still unthinkable to believe I will never play another game of rugby. Although I have tried to round myself as an individual through education and other interests, I have always had one driving purpose in my life, and that was to play rugby. I’m grateful I could do that in Munster.

“That feeling of walking out the tunnel in front of a packed Thomond Park is something I will never forget. To accept I will not play with my teammates again is beyond upsetting. I’m lucky to have played with so many great players, but rugby has given me something better and that is the people who are now lifelong friends. I thank all the coaches I have been lucky enough to learn from and I look forward to seeing the development of our squad over the coming seasons.

“The guidance I have received from the medical teams in Munster and Ireland has been unfaltering. I’d also like to acknowledge the consultants I dealt with here and abroad.”

Jones also recalled that he captained Munster to a double over his native province last season: “Those two games were of particular meaning to me. I say it with the upmost respect to Leinster as the derby fixture has always been, and will always be, one of the biggest rivalries in world rugby.”

Former Munster team-mate Ronan O’Gara was among the first to tweet his tribute to Jones’ career.

“Proud to say i played rugby with @FelixJones15. Has incredible values and a never ending appetite for success and hard work. #hardasnails.”

Ireland and Leinster out-half Ian Madigan said he was “gutted”. “Gutted to hear the news of @FelixJones15 retiring. A player I’d always look to get the ball to when playing alongside and avoid when opposing him.”

Head Coach Anthony Foley admitted Jones’ influence would be missed around the camp: “We are all hugely disappointed for Felix. He was a leading example in the way he applied himself through his commitment, work-rate and attention to detail. For a player to come in, embody everything that is Munster and have such a presence within the group he will be sorely missed on and off the field.”