Connacht fullback Tiernan OâHalloran has introduced his retirement on the finish of the season after 15 years {of professional} rugby.
The 33-year-old has spent his complete profession with Connacht after making his debut at an 18-year-old in 2009. He has gone on to make 236 appearances for the province, scoring 48 tries, with an important coming within the 2016 Guinness PRO12 Grand Last towards Leinster.
O’Halloran additionally earned six caps for Eire below Joe Schmidt in 2016 and 2017. His first cap got here in 2016 towards South Africa, together with his final look coming twelve months later towards Japan.
Connacht have already begun preparations for all times with out O’Halloran by recruiting Irish-qualified Piers O’Conor from Bristol Bears. Although O’Conor is primarily a centre, he’s additionally able to taking part in fullback.
âAfter 15 seasons of an absolute dream come true Iâve determined to name it a day on my rugby profession,” O’Halloran mentioned in an announcement.
“I might by no means have imagined as a 9 yr outdated boy beginning rugby rising up in Clifden that I’d have skilled the profession I used to be fortunate to stay!
“I’ve so many individuals Iâm grateful for alongside the best way, and I plan to thanks all within the close to future, however my largest appreciation has and at all times will probably be my Mother and Dad. Each my inspiration and tremendous heroes from being a toddler, you at all times supported and guided me, and I genuinely wrestle to place into phrases how a lot you imply to me and my profession. Additionally to my brother Cian and sister Evanne for at all times being probably the most supportive siblings.
“To my superb fiancée Emily and treasured son RÃan, you guys have been my rock by a lot and I can not watch for our subsequent chapter as a household! To the Connacht household (Clan), I genuinely liked each minute of representing all of you, and I stay up for becoming a member of you all on the new Dexcom Stadium sooner or later to cheer on the lads.
“For the final 15 years I gave it my all for that jersey. Iâve had many highs and lows all through the journey, however 2016 will at all times be my most memorable yr! From that tremendous day in Edinburgh to my first time representing my nation in South Africa, I by no means would have gotten to that time with out the help of my household, buddies and teammates.
“I’m eternally grateful to all the coaches and crew administration I performed below all through my profession who at all times supported and guided me. An enormous because of the medical and S&C employees over time who helped me from so many accidents.
“From Connemara RFC by Garbally School and Cistercian School Roscrea, I’ve embraced each minute of dwelling an absolute dream, and I stay up for being a supporter for years to come back.
“Connacht Abu!â
Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins added: âTiernan must be extraordinarily pleased with his profession and his influence on the sport of rugby in Connacht.
“The Connacht Rugby of at the moment may be very totally different to the one he first performed for in 2009, and Tiernan performed his half in serving to the membership on that journey.
“He lived his dream of representing his boyhood membership and serving to them to silverware, and for that his identify will probably be endlessly etched within the clubâs historical past. We thank him for his unimaginable loyalty and dedication, and we are going to give him the send-off he deserves when his time with us involves an finish.â