MUNSTER coach Graham Rowntree has led the tributes to Andrew Conway whose enforced departure from the sport through (knee) injury was confirmed by the player himself at lunchtime on Thursday.
Rowntree said: “Andy is a hugely respected and popular member of the squad and has been a fantastic player for Munster Rugby over the last ten years.”
“Along with being outstanding on the field, he is such an important part of the group off the field and a person who contributed so much to this province.
“He was a huge fans’ favourite and just an incredibly talented player who you could always rely on.
“He worked tirelessly to get back playing and I was delighted to see him score his 50th Munster try on his 150th appearance against Sharks last month.
“A brilliant professional, he has been a pleasure to work with and I know he is going to go on and enjoy more success in whatever he chooses to do next.”
In his personal statement, Conway said: “Unfortunately, I have been advised to retire from professional rugby because of a knee injury.
“An incredible amount of work has been put in by the Munster and IRFU medics to get me back and I can’t thank you all enough for your commitment.
“Thank you to all the backroom staff I’ve been lucky enough to cross paths and work with over the years. You know who you are. A special mention to Damien Mordan, Keith Fox, Dr. Jamie Kearns and Dr. Ciaran Cosgrave for your care and support through the years. Thank you to Rugby Players Ireland and my agents for your guidance in the past and into the future.
“I’ve been very fortunate to have been coached by some fantastic people. Thank you all. In particular to Felix Jones for showing me the way, Andy Farrell for having such belief in me and Graham Rowntree for your support in these tough times.”
He continued: “My love for Munster goes back to the 2006 European Cup final in Cardiff with my Dad. I’ll never forget walking into the stadium to see it full of red jerseys, the cameras panning to O’Connell street in Limerick… it was always Munster. To play for this great club was the best decision I ever made. Thank you to all the Munster supporters that embraced me as one of your own.
“Playing for Ireland was my dream come true. Singing the national anthem with my team-mates, watched on by family and friends was the proudest I’ve ever been.
“To my parents and sisters, thank you for your unconditional support over the years. Through the ups and downs I’ve always known you were there for me and it meant so much to share the journey with you all.
“To my wife Liz, it’s no coincidence that my career started to take off when you moved down to Limerick.
He concluded: “I’m not exactly sure what is next but I’m very excited to take all the learnings from the last 14 years into the next chapter.”
