Promising Ulster flanker Pollock retires

Ulster Rugby today confirmed that David Pollock has decided to retire from rugby due to a hip injury which has plagued the back row forward for the past 18 months.

Pollock, born in Omagh, graduated from the Ulster Academy, to sign a development contract in October 2006.

His dedication, work ethos and all-round ability were recognised when he upgraded to a full contract ahead of the start of the 2007-08 season off the back of a truly exceptional 18 months which saw him captain both Ireland U19s and U21s in their respective IRB World Championship in 2006.

The Ulster flanker then went on to captain the Irish U20 side, which contained the likes of Cian Healy, Sean O’Brien, Ian Keatley and Keith Earls, to an unprecedented Grand Slam and Six Nations double in 2007.

Pollock, who won five Ireland A caps, made his Ulster debut as a replacement against the Ospreys in 2007 and won 45 caps for the northern province during his short career, captaining the side for the first time, against Portugal in a friendly in November 2008.

He will now return to full-time study at Queens’ University where he was two years into a medical degree when he was offered a full contract.

“It is with great sadness that I announce my early retirement from rugby,” Pollock confirmed today.

“Whilst it was always my intention to resume my studies at Queens, I never intended it to be quite so soon. My hip injury, however, has not resolved and I have been advised I am no longer able to achieve the level of fitness required to play professional rugby.

“I count myself very fortunate to have represented Ulster at every level from schoolboy to senior team and leading out Ulster in the Heineken Cup against Stade Francais in Paris was one of the proudest moments of my rugby career.

“Rugby with Ulster has afforded me the privilege to play with and against many great players; whilst doing so I have forged friendships and acquired memories that I will treasure for a long time to come.

“I will miss playing rugby and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those who have helped me throughout my career from my years at RSD to the present day. I will especially miss the warm reception that we, the players, get at Ravenhill from the best set of supporters in the Magners League.

“I wish the team well for the rest of the season and in the years ahead. I will be cheering them on from the promenade.”