Munster Rugby and the IRFU have announced that Felix Jones is to retire from rugby on medical grounds.
They said: “Having most recently sustained a neck injury during the round 3 PRO12 encounter against Glasgow Warriors in Thomond Park Felix Jones has been advised to retire from rugby.”
The 28-year-old made 90 appearances since joining the province in 2009, scoring ten tries.
Jones also played 15 times for Ireland since earning his first senior cap in 2011.
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[/raw]Our best wishes to @FelixJones15 - forced to retire #Gentleman https://t.co/vtWdSazx3T pic.twitter.com/bra7en4PFD
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) October 28, 2015
Jones said he was still coming to terms with the decision.
"It is still unthinkable to believe I will never play another game of rugby,” he said in a statement. 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 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."
Munster Head Coach Anthony Foley 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."
Fellow player and fans have been shocked at the news, and have expressed their sympathies to the player on the unexpected end to his rugby career.
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[/raw]Very sad to see @FelixJones15 having to retire - the ultimate professional who was very much respected by his fellow professionals!
— Rob Kearney (@KearneyRob) October 28, 2015
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[/raw]Very sad to hear another player having to retire before his time, thanks for all the effort @FelixJones15 #suaf https://t.co/2h0ByVtQgw
— John Loftus (@loftysnds) October 28, 2015
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[/raw]😨😨😨 Didn't see this coming. All the best to @FelixJones15 , he'll be missed on the field. #FourProudProvinces https://t.co/l06UeNloUv
— Cian Ormond (@cianormo88) October 28, 2015
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[/raw]Awful news that #FelixJones forced to retire. Two months ago it looked like he was going to make the cut for #RWC15.
— Peter O' Dwyer (@peterodwyer1) October 28, 2015
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[/raw]gutted to hear about @FelixJones15 having to retired. Fantastic player who was playing the best rugby of his career & a genuinely lovely guy
— Barry Kennedy (@bazkennedy) October 28, 2015
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[/raw]Gutted for Felix Jones being forced to retire from rugby. Excellent player and a very nice guy. #Munster
— Murray Kinsella (@Murray_Kinsella) October 28, 2015
