LONDON – Former Ireland and Leinster player Kevin McLaughlin has been forced to retire from all forms of rugby after receiving strong medical advice.
After suffering a concussion in Leinster’s opening PRO12 game against Edinburg, McLaughlin was referred by the Leinster Rugby medical team to a neurologist after growing concerns of the 31 year old’s susceptibility to concussion and his increasing length of recovery.
Following tests, McLaughlin was recommended to stop playing in his best interests.
The back rower made 114 appearances for Leinster over eight years which included eight tests for Ireland, the last of which coming in the thriller against the All Blacks at Aviva Stadium in 2013. He has also won two Heineken Cup medals with Leinster and has also won a Challenge Cup and three PRO12 titles.
Leinster Rugby Head Coach Leo Cullen was full of praise for Kevin after a long career in blue and green after making his debut in 2007.
“Kevin is one of the most selfless players in our squad. He is the consummate pro and always put the team first,” he said.
“His record speaks for itself in terms of what he has achieved but outside of that his influence will live on in Leinster beyond his 115 caps for the players that were lucky enough to have worked and played with him day in, day out.”
#ThanksKev @KMcLaughlin6 pic.twitter.com/XYirTEYs0I
— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) September 22, 2015