Leinster have confirmed that utility back Isa Nacewa will retire from the game at the end of the season due to family reasons.
The 30-year-old has made 116 appearances and accumulated 375 points in all competitions for the Irish province to date.
In 2011 Nacewa was named both the Irish Rugby Union Players' Association (IRUPA) and Leinster Player of the Year, as well as being chosen as full-back on the 'PRO12 Dream Team' for 2011 and was shortlised for the ERC European Player of the Year.
Leinster expect to announce news of a new signing in the coming weeks.
Commenting on the news, Leinster coach Joe Schmidt said: "I've known Isa for a number of years. He's universally respected due to the quality of his character, his athleticism, skill and commitment.
"He has been great value for us, not just on the field where he has provided a string of highlights but off the field also, where he has contributed enormously to the development of the players around him."
"He's hugely popular amongst supporters and hopefully they will enjoy a few more outstanding performances from Isa in the coming weeks."
Comments
Isograford says...
Thanks to Fiji and making a bad decision when he was young and impressionable, the International stage was robbed of his talents. No doubt would have made the All Blacks at some point, being a born and bred Kiwi.
Odd that he's retiring so early.
Posted 20:05 27th March 2013
GCP_jones says...
I have just read in an irish Daily, that the front runner to replace him is Zane Kitchner don't really know much about this guy but he seems to attract a lot of stick from the postors on this site?.
Another name according to the article is Adam Ashley Cooper which solely on the basis of what I've seen would be a very good signing.
Posted 14:38 21st March 2013
ferdie says...
5Lock4ward - from an interview with The Telegrapgh 27 April 2012:
He turned down an invitation to play for Fiji at the World Cup in New Zealand. żIżd made a commitment to Leinster and I wanted to honour that,ż he said.
A deal's a deal - a man of his word.
Posted 11:56 21st March 2013
papachinzo says...
@Kevin83 I think the 2013/14 team will look more like this:
1. Healy 2. Strauss 3. Ross 4. McCarthy 5.Toner 6. O'Brien 7. Murphy 8. Heaslip 9. Boss 10. Madigan 11. D.Kearney 12. Macken 13. O'Malley 14. McFadden 15. R.Kearney
16. Cronin 17. McGrath 18. Bent 19. Roux 20. Ryan/Ruddock 21. Reddan 22. Reid 23. Fitzgerald/Goodman/D'Arcy/BOD
Plus, Leinster have another two signings coming in, yet to be announced.
Posted 22:47 20th March 2013
Ripzy007 says...
With Sir GH back in the Auck Blues set up, I wouldn't be surprised if he turns out for the Blues netx year in the S15...Great player that should have been an AB if it wasn't for his 45 seconds cameo with Fiji.
Posted 19:51 20th March 2013
5Lock4ward says...
This guy has always been a bit of a mystery to me. He had a promising career in NZ which he left b/c he was ineligible for the All Blacks due to his '3 minutes of madness' at the 2003 RWC for Fiji. So he comes to Ireland for a new challenge and to maximize his earning potential while young enough to do so. But I never understood why, once accepting the IRB's decision that he is forever linked to Fiji in terms of an international career, that he didn't turn out for them again. Imagine the Fijian back-line with him at fly-half. He could've played in the last 2 RWC's and made quite a name for himself on the international stage while probably bringing Fiji up a good few slots in the world rankings. It blows my mind.
Posted 18:59 20th March 2013
Kevin83 says...
What a Athlete!! An honour to say he played in the Blue and best of luck to you Ica.
As someone said earlier lets hope its nothing too serious.
A few questions though:
What happens if Joe either leaves or is snapped by the IRFU?
What happens now if BOD, Leo and Darcy call it a day as well?
We'll be ravaged!!
Loosing Conway and Carr is looking like a bit of a mistake unless they have replacements in mind.
GCP_jones (If the above do retire and all are Fit)
9. Boss, 10. Madigan, 11. Fitzgerald, 12. McFadden, 13. O'Malley, 14. D. Kearney,
15. R. Kearney.
I'm a bit worried lads, we may be in for a bit of a barren spell.
Posted 17:41 20th March 2013
whatisthis says...
Must be a personal reason for this....Still in his prime and relatively injury free. Oozed class and composure. Will be sorely missed at leinster.. Best of luck Isa..
Posted 14:41 20th March 2013
leinster_goy says...
wow, this was unexpected. i thought he would stay for at least another year
it's very hard to put into words how important Isa has been to Leinster for the past 5 years, and how incredibly lucky we were to have him. when you consider as a whole his attributes (pace, skill, athleticism, versatility, professionalism, on-field and off-field demeanour), he was truly one of a kind. he was a key component of our amazing success. the try against tigers in 2011 is just one example that comes to mind. solid defender. during test windows, he was the guy holding the fort at the rds. even when he played for a time at fly-half - a position where he clearly was not comfortable at all - he never complained. such an admirable, selfless pro
one thing we can never ignore is the impact he has had on young lads that have come through the academy - could there be a better role model for a young aspiring back?
i hope Isa gets a real send-off. finishing the season with the pro12 (at last) and the amlin would be perfect. you deserve it, Isa
Posted 13:06 20th March 2013
GCP_jones says...
NoooOOOooo,
All The Best Isa,Whatever reason is behind it, I hope its nothing serious
Isa, Your are quite simply a wonderful rugby player.
As a Leinster supportor I would just like to know how our back line is gonna look next season.Give Hickie and Horgan a shout maybe?
Posted 12:23 20th March 2013
papachinzo says...
I've known about this for a while, but it doesn't get any easier to hear... Leinster will be in bad shape next season !!
Posted 12:09 20th March 2013