Ireland Star Announces Immediate Retirement On Medical Grounds

Connacht Rugby and the IRFU today announced that Connacht and Ireland prop Nathan White is to retire from professional rugby based on medical advice following a concussion injury.

The former Waikato captain from New Zealand joined Connacht in the summer of 2012, having spent a season at Leinster under Joe Schmidt. He played in 58 games over four seasons with Connacht before he was injured during last March’s win over Leinster at the Sportsground.

The front row made his international debut last August at 33 years of age.

White went on to feature in all five of Ireland World Cup games and then all five RBS 6 Nations clashes this year to bring his international caps tally to 13.

White, who informed his Connacht team-mates of his retirement yesterday, said:

“While it’s disappointing to finish up this way and not on my own terms, I feel that I can look back at my rugby career with a lot of pride. I am retiring at 35 years of age and with so many great memories from my time playing in both New Zealand and Ireland.

“Myself and my family moved over here in 2011 and Galway became our home thanks to the incredible people we met, especially our neighbours in Hazelwood who are now great friends.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time playing for Connacht Rugby and I’d like to thank everyone there who welcomed us from day one – all the staff, management team, the supporters, volunteers and of course my team-mates. Connacht is a unique place and I’m proud to say I was part of it all at such a special time for the province.

He added:

“I’m not sure what exactly the future holds but I know I am really excited about it. I’ve loved my time as a player but feel I am ready to move on now and challenge myself in other ways.” [Irish Rugby]