Saints hooker forced to retire
September 11 2009
Northampton Saints have announced that Paul Shields has been forced to retire from playing rugby because of a neck injury.
The 30-year-old suffered the neck injury in March and has decided to hang up his boots on medical advice.
Shields joined the Saints from Ulster in the summer of 2007. Capped twice by Ireland, he made 41 appearances in the black, green and gold and scored six tries.
The last two seasons have certainly been a successful time for the hooker, who collected winners' medals from the European Challenge Cup (by virtue of playing in the group stages), National League One and EDF Energy National Trophy, which added to his Celtic League and Celtic Cup winners' medals from his time at Ulster.
"Moving to Northampton was the best move I ever made, rugby wise, and I'm devastated that I have to retire," Shields said.
"The fans have been wonderful, the town has been wonderful and my family and I are very settled here.
"The coaching and medical staff have been tremendous with me through what has been a very hard time following my injury and I would like to thank them for their support.
"I'll miss playing with the boys. I've made some great life-long friends and I will really miss running out at Franklin's Gardens. In a small way I'm happy that I ended my playing days here because where else is better to play?"