Fogarty and McCormack call it a day

Leinster forwards John Fogarty and Ronan McCormack have both announced their retirements from professional rugby, it was confirmed today.

McCormack, 33, has been troubled by a persistent neck injury and the former Connacht and Ulster prop has decided to call it a day.

Fogarty has been advised on medical grounds to retire due to persistent complications with concussion. The ex-Munster hooker represented Connacht with aplomb - winning more than 100 caps for the western province.

The Cork native was also a member of Leinster’s Heineken Cup winning squad in 2009.

Leinster Chief Executive Mick Dawson commented: “It is regrettable that both players are retiring due to injury. Both John and Ronan are immensely popular and talented individuals who each played a significant role in Leinster’s recent on-field success.

“John joined Leinster in 2008 and has been a key figure for our province since that time, with his consistent form culminating in his first Ireland call-up on this year’s summer tour to New Zealand. A Heineken Cup winner, John represented Munster, Connacht and Leinster playing 165 matches over a career which spanned a decade.

“Capped on nine occasions for Ireland ‘A’, Ronan was a key member of Leinster’s Heineken Cup and Magners League winning sides and was a consistent contributor during the 118 matches he amassed playing for Leinster, Connacht and Ulster.

"Ronan too can look back on his career with enormous pride and satisfaction.

“I would like to thank both players for their outstanding commitment, professionalism and service to the game of rugby in Ireland. Everybody in Leinster Rugby wishes both John and Ronan and their families well in their future.”