Munster and Ireland hooker Damien Varley has announced his retirement
Tuesday 17 February 2015 16:41, UK
Munster and Ireland hooker Damien Varley has been forced to retire from rugby due to ongoing injury problems.
Varley sustained a foot problem at a training session in July 2013 but after undergoing rehabilitation, he made his one and only appearance of the season as a replacement against Leinster in October.
Ongoing persistent symptoms meant he required surgery but after another three months of rehabilitation, Varley met with the surgeon in January for a consultation where he was advised to retire from the game on medical grounds.
The 31-year-old won three caps for Ireland during his career and scored 12 tries during 121 appearances for Munster.
Varley also had a brief spell with Wasps, joining them in 2008 before returning to Limerick at the start of the 2009/10 season.
"It is with great sadness that I have to announce my premature retirement,” he told Munster's official website.
“Like so many before me I will look back at my time in Munster with immense pride and fondness, not only for the sport, but for the people that I have played with, worked with and the friendships I have made.
"I am privileged to have represented my province and country and I am hugely thankful for all the memories, and for the support I have received throughout my career.”
Watch Munster take on Scarlets in the Guinness PRO12 this weekend. Coverage begins on Sky Sports 3 HD at 2:30pm on Saturday.
