Leinster captain Kevin McLaughlin calls time on career

Leinster captain Kevin McLaughlin has been forced to retire on medical grounds at the age of 31.

McLaughlin sustained concussion in the opening Guinness PRO 12 match of the season against Edinburgh earlier this month and was referred to a leading neurologist by the club's medical team.

Leinster were concerned about McLaughlin's increasing susceptibility to concussion and the length of recovery. 

The former Ireland back row, who has clocked up 115 appearances for the province and won two Heineken Cups since making his debut in 2007, was advised to retire after undergoing tests.

"It is upsetting and frustrating to have to retire when I feel I have so much left to give but it is the right decision and I am glad that our medical staff were so pro-active in encouraging me to see a neurologist and getting his expert opinion," McLaughlin said on leinsterrugby.ie.

"The support I have received from the club and my team mates has been incredible and will help to soften the blow of having to having to retire from the game I love.

"It has been an absolute privilege to represent UCD, St Mary's, Leinster and Ireland over the years and from a rugby perspective I have no regrets. Some special memories in particular would be my first cap for Ireland in 2010 and Leinster's PRO12 win in 2013 after having lost the previous three finals.

"The two Heineken Cups, particularly the 2012 win in Twickenham will also last long in the memory. I was lucky enough to be involved in Leinster throughout a very successful and rewarding period during which I have learned a lot about life and made lifelong friends."

Leinster head coach Leo Cullen praised quick to praise McLaughlin  and his career in blue and in green.

"Kevin is one of the most selfless players in our squad. He is the consummate pro and always put the team first. 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," said Cullen.

"He is a very popular member of the squad both on and off the pitch and thankfully Kevin is open to the possibility of helping out with us behind the scenes certainly in the short term and again I think that's an indication of the esteem with which he is held within the group. We wish him all the best for the future."

McLaughlin's premature retirement comes after Wales flanker Jonathan Thomas quit the sport after contracting epilepsy due to repetitive head trauma.

Governing body World Rugby have admitted looking into potential law changes around tackling in a bid to improve the sport's safety.