JOHNNY SEXTON SAYS Ireland and Leinster wouldn’t have enjoyed the same level of success in recent years without Mike Ross, who today announced he will retire from rugby at the end of the season.
The 37-year-old prop will hang up his boots when the current campaign draws to a close after winning 61 caps for Ireland and representing Leinster 151 times, and counting.
Ross joined the eastern province in 2009 and quickly became the cornerstone of the Leinster and Ireland scrum, helping both club and country to silverware during a 12-year professional career.
The Cork native was part of two Six Nations-winning sides under Joe Schmidt and played an integral role in Leinster’s two Heineken Cup victories, two Pro12 title wins and their Challenge Cup success.
Speaking at the launch of the Bank of Ireland Leinster Rugby Camps this afternoon, Sexton said the whole squad will miss Ross when he moves on to the next chapter of his career.
“We’re going to miss Mike desperately on and off the pitch, he’s had a huge impact,” the out-half said.
“I don’t think we would have won the trophies we have without him. We will miss him, he’s done a great job with young guys coming through.
“He’s passionate about scrummaging and computers. He’s finishing up one passion but is starting up another and we’ll all miss him on and off the pitch.”
Fellow prop Jack McGrath also paid tribute to Ross, admitting it was a ‘sad day’.
“He’s given so much to club and country and won so much with both teams,” McGrath added.
“He’s leaving in a happy place and leaving both Ireland and Leinster in a better place.
“It’s a sad day, he’s going to leave a void because he’s a big character in the room but we all wish him the best and hopefully we’ll give him a big send off by winning a trophy.
“When you think about it, it’s mad to think about where he came from and what he’s done. It’s a testament to the man, he never gave up and just kept on trucking and became such an integral part of the teams he played in.
“There wouldn’t have been trophies won without him but it’s not over just yet. There’s still a few more games for him to play.”
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