Leinster Rugby Head Coach Leo Cullen has given his reaction to the news this afternoon that Leinster and Ireland scrum-half Eoin Reddan has retired from the game.
Speaking to leinsterrugby.ie in UCD where Leinster have started their first week of pre-season training, Cullen said of the Limerick native:
“Since joining from Wasps for the 2009/10 season, Eoin has been a key figure for Leinster Rugby. His contribution over the years to the success of the team both on-field, and off-field in his role with the leadership group, has been immense and he leaves a lasting impression on all those that were lucky enough to work with him on a daily basis.
“In his time with us he has represented the club and his country with distinction including captaining both Leinster and Ireland.
“But what he achieved over his whole career representing four clubs and the trophies he won with Wasps, Leinster and Ireland is unique. He was a brilliant athlete and he achieved a huge amount at the very highest level. Hopefully he can finish on a high this weekend which would be a great way to end it all.
“Eoin will definitely be missed but also the wider Reddan family and his dad Don in particular who rarely missed a Leinster away trip and was always a huge supporter of Eoin and of this team.
“We wish Eoin well in the next chapter of his life and thank him sincerely for his contribution to Leinster.”
Reddan joined Leinster in 2009 from Wasps where he had won a Premiership title and a Heineken Cup. He played 140 times for Leinster since his debut against the Newport Gwent Dragons in September 2009 scoring six tries in seven seasons. In that time he won two Heineken Cups, two PRO12 titles and a Challenge Cup.
He made his Irish debut in February 2006 against France and would go on to win two 6 Nations titles with Ireland. He will win his 71st and final cap this weekend should he be introduced against South Africa.
