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Holland made just 11 appearances for the province. INPHO/Billy Stickland
Too soon

'It has become impossible for me to win this battle' - Munster's Johnny Holland forced to retire at 25

The out-half has been advised to hang up his boots prematurely on medical grounds.

IRISH RUGBY HAS lost another talented, young player to early retirement as Munster today confirmed that Johnny Holland’s playing days are over.

The out-half has been battling with an ongoing hamstring problem initially picked up during a Munster ‘A’ game against Nottingham in November 2014.

Holland, a Munster Rugby graduate who also represented Douglas, Sundays Well, UCC and Cork Constitution as a youngster, recovered to play seven times for the province last season and scored his first competitive try against Leinster at the Aviva Stadium.

However, on the week of his 25th birthday, the Cork native has been advised to call time on his career by medical staff after making a total of 11 senior appearances since his debut three years ago.

“This has obviously been a very tough time for me, and ultimately it is a decision that has been taken out of my hands,” Holland told Munster Rugby.

“It is something that I have tried very hard to overcome but unfortunately it has become impossible for me to win this battle. As much as this is beyond my control, I don’t want to look back on my career with any sadness.”

“Rugby has given me so many opportunities and I have learned so much from the experience, with fantastic memories and friends for life. I am very proud to have represented my home province, especially at the end of last season, and am thankful for the support from underage rugby all the way up.

I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the medical team, strength and conditioning staff and coaches that helped me throughout my career, and special thanks must go to my family, girlfriend Chloe and close friends for their unwavering support.

“I believe this is an exciting time for Munster Rugby and while I am hugely disappointed that my time has come to an end I look forward to supporting from the stands, and to the next chapter.”

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