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Rory O'Loughlin forced to retire on medical grounds

Rory O'Loughlin on his sole Ireland appearance against Japan in 2017
Rory O'Loughlin on his sole Ireland appearance against Japan in 2017

Former Leinster and Ireland back Rory O'Loughlin has announced his retirement from rugby on medical grounds.

The 30-year-old, who has spent the last two seasons at Exeter Chiefs, suffered a serious shoulder injury at the beginning of the season and despite an intensive rehab period and attempts to get back playing, has been advised to retire from the sport.

O’Loughlin made his Leinster debut in 2016, making 99 appearances for the province and winning four Pro14 titles as well as the Champions Cup in 2018.

Having earned his international stripes at 7s, his sole full cap for Ireland came against Japan in 2017.

Having joined the Chiefs at the start of the 2022/23 season, injury restricted the utility back to 24 appearances at Sandy Park

"While it has been a tough couple of months coming to terms with this new reality, I do count myself incredibly lucky to have played for two great clubs, alongside some of the game’s best players and more importantly some of my best mates," he said.

"Although this season hasn’t gone to plan for me, I have loved my time here at Exeter. I was lucky enough to play in front of a packed-out Sandy Park many times in my first season."

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