Irish back-rower Jamie Heaslip this week announced his retirement from rugby with immediate effect.
The former Ireland captain won 95 caps for his country between 2006 and 2017, but after having surgery on his back twice in 2017 has taken medical advice to stop playing due to the injury.
Heaslip had a legendary career for Leinster and Ireland, winning three Heineken Cups and three Pro12 titles with his province as well as a Grand Slam in 2009 and two more Six Nations titles. He was also part of the Ireland team that famously beat New Zealand in 2016.
The No 8 won five caps for the British & Irish Lions on the tours to South Africa in 2009 and Australia in 2013.
The news of Heaslip’s retirement caused plenty of reaction on social media, his team-mates and rugby-playing contemporaries leading the way in paying tribute to the 34-year-old.
Rugby icon Brian O’Driscoll played a significant portion of his career alongside Heaslip for Leinster, Ireland and the Lions, and he was quick to show his admiration on Twitter:
Heaslip’s former Leinster and Ireland team-mate Ian Madigan said:
It has been incredible to get to know @jamieheaslip as a player and a person. For me he set the standard with professionalism so I did my best to copy him. So many great memories in Green and Blue and looking forward seeing you go well in your next chapter. Thanks Jamie pic.twitter.com/E0WoCNrH7X
Wales flanker Sam Warburton, who captained Heaslip on the 2013 Lions tour, was also full of praise:
Congratulations on an awesome career @jamieheaslip. Definitely left whatever jersey you wore in a better place. Privilege to share a pitch, jersey and hotel room with you! ??
Springbok winger Bryan Habana congratulated Heaslip on a stellar career, as well as making a joke about accidental gurning!
Not only was he a tough #FacePulling opponent, he is an all round top bloke and one hell of a rugby player… Sad to see you have to call it quits @jamieheaslip but utter respect for an insanely impressive career and being a 1 Club man ?? Strength for the next chapter!! pic.twitter.com/7uA2DKTuxO