Horgan calls time on rugby career

Shane Horgan, 33 has retired from rugby after a lengthy struggle to regain fitness following an knee injury. Horgan was capped 65 times for Ireland and also represented the Lions in 2005, earning three caps. From Bellewstown Horgan played under-age football for Meath but he also excelled in rugby and turned out for Boyne and Lansdowne. He went on to represent Leinster on 207 occasions and scored 71 tries for the province. In 2000 Horgan made his international debut against Scotland and went on to score 21 tries for his country including the memorable touchdown against England in Croke Park in 2007. Talking to the Meath Chronicle last November Horgan spoke about seeing a specialist in London to try and resolve his injury problems. He had hoped to make a comeback and continue his career for another few seasons. Announcing his retirement, Horgan said, "Every professional sportsman realises that at some point their career will come to an end. "I have been extremely fortunate to have played regularly for my province and with Ireland since my debut with Leinster in 1998 and while I am disappointed that injury has forced me to retire now, I know I have been very lucky to have had such a long and largely injury-free career." "The support and expertise of the medical and fitness teams in Leinster and Ireland through the years has been first class. Their help, especially through the course of this injury, has been incredible. "It has been a tremendous honour to represent my province and my country. When you first start playing sport that is the ultimate ambition but few people are lucky enough to realise it. I am just so grateful that I was given that opportunity. "I am equally fortunate to have played at a time when Leinster and Ireland experienced such great success and alongside a group of players with unprecedented talent and ambition. "I want to thank the IRFU and Leinster, my playing colleagues and friends in the game and the many people who helped to shape and influence my career at different points over the last 14 years. "I would also like to thank Lansdowne FC and my home club of Boyne RFC for their continuous support since I started playing the game. "My family has always been my principal guiding influence and support, so public acknowledgment today is but a small element of the appreciation I owe them. "To perform at the top of any professional sport players need good coaches and Ireland has been well served during my time with the National squad. "At Leinster, to have played under Mike Ruddock, Matt Williams, Michael Cheika and, as it turned out for the last season of my career, Joe Schmidt, represents the kind of good fortune that only "lucky" players get. "My final expression of thanks is to the supporters of both Ireland and Leinster with whom I have shared some special days that I will never forget."