Concussion forces Ireland international Fitzpatrick to retire

Ulster Rugby have announced the retirement of prop Declan Fitzpatrick at the age of 31, due to concussion.

Ulster Rugby have announced the retirement of prop Declan Fitzpatrick at the age of 31.

Fitzpatrick had suffered a number of concussions in recent years and received medical advice that it would be in his best interests to retire from professional rugby.

DeclanFitzpatrick pictured at Ireland training in 2012.

"While it's not an easy decision to hang up the boots, I can look back with fondness at nine fantastic seasons at Ulster Rugby,” Fitzpatrick said of his decision.

"It was a huge honour to have represented my country and an enormous privilege to pull on that green shirt.”

He also thanked both the IRFU and the province for the medical care he had received.

"I want to thank the medical teams at Ulster Rugby and the IRFU for the care that they have given me,” he said.

“My symptoms continue to improve and I know the advice that I received is in the best interests of my long-term health.”

Sad News: Ulster and Ireland prop Declan Fitzpatrick to retire from rugby on medical grounds. http://t.co/nTP8MqUOUz pic.twitter.com/owCy43CRcu

— Ulster Rugby (@UlsterRugby) April 16, 2015

Fitzpatrick had been with Ulster since 2006 and made more than 90 appearances for the province. He also made seven appearances for Ireland between 2012 and 2013.

A sad day as Declan Fitzpatrick is forced to retire from rugby. We wish you all the best. - #IrishRugby pic.twitter.com/YSoITcwxY0

— IrishRugbySupporters (@IrishRugbySupp) April 16, 2015

"Declan has been a tremendous servant for both Ulster and Ireland,” Ulster's team manager Bryn Cunningham said.

“Having played almost 100 times for the province and seven times for Ireland is evidence of a long and successful rugby career.

"He will be missed both on and off the pitch and I know everyone connected at Ulster Rugby – players, management and supporters, will wish him well in his retirement.”

All the best to Declan Fitzpatrick has taken an early retirement due to concussion. http://t.co/Y2vWpFtEK9

— Rugbystore (@RugbystoreUK) April 16, 2015