Tuesday 31 January 2017 15:53, UK
Connacht forward Ben Marshall has retired from professional rugby aged 26 based on medical advice following a concussion injury.
A product of the Leinster academy, Marshall joined Connacht in 2015 but injuries limited him to 20 appearances for the province. The last of those came against the Ospreys in February 2016.
"Unfortunately, my time as a player has come to an end earlier than I would have wished," he said.
"It has been a difficult time not being able to play since the injury but having had some time away from the game, I can appreciate how fortunate I've also been in my career.
"Special thanks have to be extended to my team-mates and friends, from schoolboy through to professional level. We have shared many highlights that I will carry with me for years to come, and it is the quiet camaraderie of the dressing room that I will miss the most."
Marshall, who played for Ireland U20s and Emerging Ireland and was capped for an Ireland XV team against the Barbarians in May 2015, is looking forward to continuing with his financial studies.
"Ben was unfortunate through injury during his time at Connacht but we always saw his professional attitude shine through on and off the pitch," said Connacht head coach Pat Lam.
"He is an excellent team man who has achieved a lot in the game from a very young age and I have no doubt that he will go on to achieve great things in his business and life pursuits going forward.
"He will have a support system and friends for life from his time in rugby and we wish him well for the future."