CONNACHT HAVE CONFIRMED that second row Craig Clarke will retire from professional rugby with immediate effect.
The New Zealander, who won two Super Rugby titles with the Chiefs, has suffered “a number of concussions over an extended period of time” and makes his decision based on the medical advice of specialists in Ireland and abroad.
Clarke joined Connacht last summer in what was a major coup for the western province, and swiftly rose to the rank of captaincy. However, February brought news that the 30-year-old had been ruled out ‘indefinitely’ after suffering what was his 10th concussion in 22 months.
A head knock sustained against Saracens in a Heineken Cup clash at Allianz Park in January was at the root of that decision to withdraw Clarke from playing, and he has been “carefully monitored” by medical experts ever since. Unfortunately, the symptoms have shown no signs of clearing in the near future.
While it is of course extremely disappointing the way my career has come to an unexpected end I am, at the same time, so thankful for the opportunities afforded to me through my involvement in the professional game,” says Clarke.
“Of course I understand that health takes priority over sport every time, but I still can’t escape the disappointment that I couldn’t contribute to Connacht Rugby as I would have liked and envisaged before my arrival.
“There will be a lot I’ll remember from my time in Ireland. Naturally, our victory over Toulouse was a huge highlight but there are other little things I’ll never forget. The Connacht fans are like no other I’ve ever encountered. The first time I ran out through the Clan Stand and on to the pitch, the hairs on the back of my neck stood up.
“I’ve never experienced such noise and atmosphere, and from within a relatively small stadium. They are an amazing bunch of supporters and I’d like to thank them for making me feel so welcome here.
Myself and my family will now return to New Zealand and start work on our farm there. I will of course be keeping a keen eye on Connacht Rugby and their games next season.
“The birth of our little girl Isabella in Galway means that we will always have a connection with the west of Ireland, and it will be a great excuse to visit again in the not too distant future.”
Huge loss
Huge loss for Connacht but absolutely the right call to make for Clarke. The lasting effects of concussions can be horrific. Wish him all the best.
Players are getting brain injuries – call a spade a spade – and being forced to play again within a week or two. The IRB by its inaction are setting themselves up for a lawsuit similar to the current NFL billion dollar class action on behalf of brain-injured American Football players since the NFL’s inception.
The IRFU player welfare program has helped prolong players careers in Ireland but this does not seem to carry through where brain injuries are concerned. At least the IRFU have a player welfare program unlike France where players are battered to a pulp and replaced at will by the deep pockets of the millionaire owners. Players are now dispensable cannon fodder.
As the body shapes and weights have increased out of proportion to normality – remember when the physique of Jonah Lomu was considered freakish – the collisions have become car crashes. The body, and more importantly the brain, is not designed to withstand the forces now involved.
How many times have you seen BOD sitting on the pitch attended to by physios after another bang on the head? I remember he was sidelined not too long ago due to ‘vertigo’.
Kieran Read, the current IRB player of the year, is out of the All Blacks opening game against touring England this week due to a brain injury suffered in April. Steve Hansen euphemistically described him as ‘not feeling the best’.
I don’t know what the solution is but I’m sure players and officials alike are closely following concussion-gate as it unfolds.
His health is paramount – while it is a massive loss to Connacht it is 100% the best decision..
Would have been great to have seen him next season with Aki and Mils but these things happen
We now have Kearney, Swifty and Muldowney, with Browne and George able to cover.. Plus a big chance now for u20 captain SOB2.0 to make a step up..
Is it possible to test for the effects of repeated concussion and should the IRFU test before signing off on overseas contracts?
That is a major loss, Clarke is in a different league to others in the second row and was a great captain. They will need a real top drawer replacement and young the Sean O’brien to come through fast along with new 8 and 10 if they are to challenge for European cup qualification.
Surely get in Ian Nagle now…
Clever work by the chiefs. Sold him while they could