Thursday 16 April 2015 16:55, UK
Ulster and Ireland prop Declan Fitzpatrick has been forced to retire from rugby on medical grounds at the age of 31.
Fitzpatrick has experienced a number of concussive episodes in recent seasons and his symptoms have become progressively slower to resolve.
In total he has suffered six concussions in his nine-year career with four episodes in the last three campaigns.
While it is not an easy decision to hang up the boots, I can look back with fondness at nine fantastic seasons at Ulster Rugby.
Fitzpatrick has not played since January’s defeat to Toulon when he suffered his latest head injury.
Medics at the Guinness PRO12 province referred him to a neurologist, and after tests it was recommended it would be in Fitzpatrick's long-term interests to stop playing.
He won seven caps for Ireland, the last of which was against New Zealand during the 2013 autumn Tests, and made 98 appearances for Ulster.
"While it is not an easy decision to hang up the boots, I can look back with fondness at nine fantastic seasons at Ulster Rugby," said Fitzpatrick.
"It was a huge honour to have represented my country and an enormous privilege to pull on that green shirt.
"I want to thank the medical teams at Ulster Rugby and the IRFU (Irish Rugby Football Union) for the care that they have given me.
"My symptoms continue to improve, and I know the advice that I received is in the best interests of my long-term health."
