Leinster stalwart Rhys Ruddock to retire at end of season
DUBLIN, IRELAND: October 9: Rhys Ruddock #8 of Leinster makers a break supported by Scott Penny #7 of Leinster during the Leinster V Zebre, United Rugby Championship match at RDS Arena on October 9th, 2021 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
Leinster back rower Rhys Ruddock has confirmed he will retire from rugby at the end of the season after a decorated 15 seasons at the club.
The 33-year-old will retire as one of the province’s most successful players, having played the fifth most games of any player for the club with 228 appearances, alongside his 27 caps for Ireland.
Since his debut, Ruddock has won six United Rugby Championship titles, three Champions Cups, one Challenge Cup and was also named on the PRO12 Team of the Year in 2014.
He said: “This has been an incredibly difficult decision to make. To retire from playing the game you love isn’t easy, however after 15 years of professional rugby, I feel the time is right for me now and I’m excited for the next chapter.
“Supporting the Leinster team in Donnybrook as an eight-year-old, while my dad was coach, I could only have dreamed about putting on a Leinster jersey myself. To go on to play my whole career with this team has been a dream come true.
“Leinster has been such a huge part of my life. I have made some of my best friends here, with teammates past and present and had the privilege to be coached by, and work with, the most amazing group of people.”
On the international stage, Ruddock won a Six Nations title in 2014 and played in the 2015 and 2019 Rugby World Cup campaigns, as well as captaining his country on numerous occasions.
A 19-year-old Ruddock was called up to the Ireland senior squad as a late injury replacement on the summer tour of Australia in 2010, making his debut against the Wallabies in Brisbane less than one year after his professional debut for Leinster.
“To have had the opportunity to captain both Leinster and Ireland has been an incredible honour and is something I will always treasure and look back on with pride,” Ruddock continued.
“I am hugely appreciative of the support the fans have given us over the years and have always felt privileged to represent you.
“It’s been one hell of a journey so far; so many incredible memories made and friendships built. I’m looking forward to giving everything I can to help this team finish this season on a high.”
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