Rugby

Leinster hooker James Tracy announces retirement on medical grounds

‘Forming friendships and unbreakable bonds on and off the field is what makes rugby so special and so important to me’

Leinster forward James Tracy has not played since sustaining the issue during training in April. Photograph: Ben Brady/Inpho

Thu Dec 22 2022 - 12:15

Former Ireland hooker James Tracy has announced his retirement from professional rugby on medical grounds due to a neck injury.

The 31-year-old Leinster forward has not played since sustaining the issue during training in April.

Tracy was capped six times by his country between 2016 and 2017, scoring one try, in addition to representing his province 141 times.

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“I say this with a heavy heart: I am retiring from rugby as result of injury,” he wrote in a statement released by Leinster.

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“I cherished every moment of my career, and it has been such a blessing to play the game for as long as I have.”

Tracy made a try-scoring debut for Ireland as a replacement in a 52-21 win over Canada in November 2016, before collecting a further five Test caps the following year.

He made his Leinster debut in 2012, with his final appearance coming in the 26-21 Heineken Champions Cup victory over Connacht on April 8. His career included a Champions Cup medal in 2018, plus four PRO14 titles.

Leinster head coach Leo Cullen said: “It is always a sad day when a player has to retire early due to injury, so we were all gutted to hear the news that James is being forced to hang up his boots.”

James Tracy’s full statement

Today is a day of reflection and gratitude.

Playing for Joe, Leo and Stu, Leinster Rugby, the 12 counties it represents and my country, it has been a tremendous honour.

I have learned so much from each coach and can’t thank them enough for believing in me. During my 10 seasons as a Leinster player, I’ve pursued success and became obsessed with winning, while being lucky enough to prepare and train with the highest calibre of players, medics, physios and back room staff.

It’s hard to single out a few but I feel John Ryan, Jim McShane, Stuart O’Flanagan, Garreth Farrell, Fearghal Kerin, Tommy Turner, Cillian Reardon and Joe McGinley deserve special praise for their help throughout my career.

It has been an honour to represent my Leinster family and all the supporters.

I say this with a heavy heart: I am retiring from rugby as result of injury. I cherished every moment of my career, and it has been such a blessing to play the game for as long as I have. I look forward to next season, but this time with the sole focus of being a great husband to Ashley and father to my children Bay and Riley.

Reflecting on my 11 years in professional rugby, reminds me of the many people I owe sincere gratitude to.

No one has felt the burden of the highs and lows of professional sport more than my loving wife, Ashley. She has been with me throughout the majority of senior rugby career, and was completely dedicated to helping me become my absolute best, on and off the field.

I would have never played for as long as I did without her endless support and love. She never complained or voiced her displeasure with me, although she had every right to do so! She has provided unwavering support through winning and losing, camps and away trips, missed weddings and all the necessary sacrifices to allow me to continue playing the game I love.

I will spend the rest of my days trying to give back to her all that she has given me.

My mum and dad provided me with the perfect combination of love and discipline and showed me what hard work and sacrifice looks like. All that I am, and everything I have done, is because of them. I have always strived to make them proud and am forever grateful for everything they do for me and my sisters.

My sisters have each greatly helped me in a variety of ways. I owe you both a great deal and feel very fortunate to have you as family. To Sara-Jane and Leanne, thank you, and I love you both dearly.

Naas RFC has had an enormous impact on me as a rugby player. Playing underage rugby provided the foundation for my career. The community and the support of the club are what sets it apart from most.

Going to Newbridge College was a genuine turning point in my life and I will be forever grateful all my team-mates and coaches. Jon Newsome, Matt O’Shea, Dermot Sherlock, Pat O’Brien, Dave Brew, to name a few. And to the friends and teachers that I had. Thank you. It is a special school.

I would like to offer my deepest thanks to Brian Murray. You have given me, and my sister Sara-Jane so much and never expected anything in return. All the extra training you did with myself and Sam (Coghlan-Murray), I can honestly say that I wouldn’t have had a professional career without your help.

A big thank you to Milena and Victoria of Platinum Pilates who played a huge role for keeping me fit and available throughout my career. Philip Mallon from Joe Mallon Motors for having me as one of their ambassadors and a big thank you also to Niall Woods of Navy Blue for representing me throughout my playing career.

Lastly, some of my best memories are from my time playing with UCD. I cherish the lifelong friendships and the craic on bus journeys home after a big away day win!

To my team-mates, former and current, forming friendships and unbreakable bonds on and off the field is what makes rugby so special and so important to me. When reminiscing on my career, I won’t think about games won or lost, but the memories and friendships made.

Thank you all,

JT

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