Munster flanker Denis Leamy has admitted that he seriously pondered retirement from rugby during his lengthy layoff.
Leamy, who should return for Munster within the month, had been out for seven months with a serious knee injury.
“Having a long-term injury is very depressing and it is difficult going through the rehabilitation,” the 28-year-old said.
“As a rugby player, being out for seven months is a huge time away from the game. But you have to be positive and say it’s only an injury as I know it is difficult times for people in Ireland with the recession.
“We are lucky with the support we have at Munster and the fact that we have good, secure jobs was one big motivation to come back for me.
“I did study Sports Science for two years but rugby is really all I know. If I’d had to retire, I would have gone back to college to finish my degree as jobs are hard to come by in the work force. Of course, there were times when I went to the gym and felt like turning back around.
“But I know it will be all worthwhile when I’m back playing for Munster and Ireland again. I have a great job and I want to play for as long as possible.”
Tipperary man Leamy has 41 caps for Ireland, and has played 115 times for Munster since 2002.
