Luke Fitzgerald has announced his retirement from professional rugby

It has been confirmed that Luke Fitzgerald has announced his retirement from professional rugby.

The 28-year-old Leinster, Ireland and British & Irish Lions back suffering from a neck injury and has been advised to retire on medical grounds.

BREAKING: @lukefitz11 to retire from professional rugby #ThanksLuke pic.twitter.com/W1M4hy0d1I

— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) June 28, 2016

Speaking to leinsterrugby.ie, Fitzgerald said: "I've had a wonderful rugby career which makes it easy for me to move on to the next stage of my life. It's been an amazing journey in which I got to experience the highs and lows that come with professional sport and I have learned a huge amount from each experience.

"I'm very thankful for the opportunities I have had, the people with whom I've worked and the lifelong friends I have made. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the medical staff and coaches I've worked with throughout my career and at Blackrock College.

“It's been an honour and a privilege to represent my province, my country and the British & Irish Lions during my career and I'm glad to finish my career as a 'one club man'.”