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Leamy won 57 Ireland caps. INPHO/Morgan Treacy
Disappointment

I didn't want to risk playing on - Leamy

The 30-year-old has said he is likely to need a hip replacement at some stage in the future.

MUNSTER’S DENIS LEAMY has explained the reasons behind his premature retirement at the age of 30.

Speaking on Off the Ball, the ex-Ireland international said that the risk of exacerbating his injury, which would likely affect his day-to-day life in the future, was a “big factor” in the decision:

“I’m probably going to need a hip replacement down the line, and I didn’t want to bring that day forward drastically.”

Speaking about how the injury arose initially, he said: “Everything was going well. I had a great pre-season. I was at the World Cup and would’ve liked to play a bit more.

“Unfortunately, in training, I got my studs caught in the ground and injured my hip.”

He explained that he aggravated the problem during Munster’s game with Llanelli earlier this season and feared the worst as he departed the action. He added:

“It’s very disappointing. I always would have considered myself one of the younger brigade.”

Nonetheless, he recalled his satisfaction at earning 57 caps for his country, explaining how it was “a dream” to play for Ireland.

And in relation to his future plans, he said:

“I come from a farming background, so that’s going to play a part in my life, but time will tell.”

Leamy retires having helped Munster win two Heineken Cups, since making his debut with the province in 2002.

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