Felix Jones has been forced to retire from professional rugby with a neck injury.
Jones joined Munster and Shannon RFC in 2009 from the Leinster Academy and quickly made a name for himself as one of the best full-backs in the country.
Jones also made 13 appearances for Ireland and was part of this year’s Six Nations-winning panel under Joe Schmidt.
The 28-year-old said: “It is still unthinkable to believe I will never play another game of rugby. Although I have tried to round myself as an individual through education and other interests, I have always had one driving purpose in my life and that was to play rugby.
“I’m grateful I could do that in Munster. That feeling of walking out the tunnel in front of a packed Thomond Park is something I will never forget. To accept I will not play with my teammates again is beyond upsetting. I’m lucky to have played with so many great players, but rugby has given me something better and that is the people who are now life-long friends.
“I thank all the coaches I have been lucky enough to learn from and I look forward to seeing the development of our squad over the coming seasons.
“The guidance I have received from the medical teams in Munster and Ireland has been unfaltering. I would also like to acknowledge the consultants I have dealt with here and further abroad.
“I’m indebted to everyone who has helped me throughout my career from Seapoint my home club, Old Belvedere, Shannon and all the way up to representing Ireland. Without doubt the proudest moment of my career was being given the privilege to win my first cap for my country.
“It would be remiss of me not to mention the extensive support I have received from IRUPA not only at this moment in time but throughout my career also. I would encourage all players to engage with their players union.
“Finally, I would like to thank my family and close friends for their undying support on and off the pitch. I will draw upon this over the coming weeks as the situation presents itself as a nervous yet exciting junction in my life.”
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