Mr. Reliable.

Jamie Heaslip surprised everybody this morning with a sudden retirement announcement with immediate effect.

The Ireland and Leinster number eight has been battling a back injury for almost a year. But the latest rumblings suggested he was on course for a return in the next couple of months.

But for a man that has achieved almost everything there is to achieve in rugby, it just simply wasn’t worth a risk. There’s more to life than rugby, and his health and well-being always had to come first.

The reaction to his retirement has been quite fitting. A number of his former teammates have waxed lyrical, not only based on the kind of player he was, but also the man and friend he was.

All the best Jamie. It’s been a hell of a ride.