MUNSTER FULLBACK FELIX Jones has retired from professional rugby under advice from specialists after sustaining a second neck injury in his career.
Jones’ last appearance for Munster came in the October 2 win over Glasgow when he walked from the field after sustaining the blow.
The knock was Jones’ second neck problem, but initially did not look anywhere near as serious as the 2009 incident that left him sidelined for a year from the game.
The Seapoint RFC man’s career began with an under 20s Grand Slam and he played a part in the more recent Six Nations successes at senior level too, Ireland head coach Joe Schmidt rewarding his skill-set and application with a regular role in his first choice matchday squad. Jones reached 13 Test caps on top of his 90 appearances for Munster.
“It is still unthinkable to believe I will never play another game of rugby,” the fullback said in an impassioned statement released by his province this afternoon.
“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’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.”
Munster head coach Anthony Foley, who made Jones his captain for that October 2 meeting with Glasgow, said:
“We are all hugely disappointed for Felix. He was a leading example in the way he applied himself through his commitment, work-rate and attention to detail.
“For a player to come in, embody everything that is Munster and have such a presence within the group he will be sorely missed on and off the field. We are very grateful for Felix’s immense contribution over the last six years and wish him all the best for the future.”
The immediate future for Munster necessitates a swift move to sign a body to replace Jones’ name in the squad and that has come with the capture of Argentina’s Lucas Gonzalez Amorosino.
For Jones meanwhile, he must look towards a new career, a new chapter in his life.
“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.”
