LONDON IRISH LOCK Bob Casey is to retire from rugby at the end of the season.
Casey, 33, moved to the Exiles in 2002 following three seasons with Leinster. There, he quickly made himself at home in the second row and went on to make 233 appearances in total, scoring six tries.
He captained the side from 2007 to 2011, during which time he led London Irish to the semi-finals of the 2009 Heineken Cup and the final of the 2010 Aviva Premiership.
A native of Maynooth, Co Kildare, Casey won the first of his seven senior Irish caps against Australia in the 1999 Rugby World Cup. However, after featuring a handful of times in the Six Nations and friendly tests the following season, he dropped out of the panel altogether and did not make another appearance until Ireland’s tour of America in the summer of 2009.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my rugby career both with Leinster and London Irish and have lots of great memories,” Casey told the club’s official website, announcing that he will move into business management with the club’s main sponsor, Powergen.
I’ve been fortunate to play with many talented players and work with gifted coaches and would like to thank them and the medical staff that have looked after me so well.My special thanks must also go to all the supporters, business and individual, of London Irish in particular, for their exceptional welcome and encouragement over the past ten years. While I will miss them on the field, I hope to keep in contact with them in my new role.
“In the meantime, there are four key matches to play and I remain focused and determined to do all that I can to help London Irish secure a place in next season’s Heineken Cup.”
Andy Martin, London Irish chief executive, added: “We cannot pay tribute enough to Bob. His commitment to the badge, the game and supporters is second to none.
“He has been an exceptional ambassador for London Irish and on behalf of everyone at the club I would like to thank him for his outstanding contribution over the last ten years.”
