Hip injury ends O'Loughlin's career

Injury has claimed the career of yet another player before his time after Connacht announced today that scrumhalf Conor O’Loughlin is being forced to retire from the game because of a hip problem.

The 28-year-old former Ireland under-21 player sustained an injury to his hip in December 2006 against Montpellier and consequently his hip has deteriorated to a point where he can no longer play rugby

“I’ve exhausted every medical avenue at this stage and I’ve been advised that I can no longer continue my career as a professional rugby player,” said O’Loughlin

“It’s taken me a while to get my head around it but everyone’s been really helpful and supportive, especially my family and friends, and I’m very grateful to them for that.

“Rugby’s been my life for the last eight years so I’m going to have to look at my options now, I’ve completed a Masters of Finance, my CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) Level One exam and I’m sitting the Level Two in June so there are options there for me in a role outside of rugby.

“I’ve no regrets at all; I’ve been living the dream for the last eight years and I’m sure I’ll come back to it at some stage in some form or another but for now I’m looking forward to the challenge of something different.”

Connacht coach Eric Elwood wished O’Loughlin all the best in his future and commended him on his attitude in recent years.

“We’re all very disappointed that Conor can no longer play, he’s been a great servant to Connacht Rugby over the years and will be a massive loss to the club,” said Elwood.

“The manner in which Conor has dealt with his injury is remarkable and it is a huge shame that Connacht are losing a home-grown player of his talents. Conor has shown great loyalty to Connacht and it’s sad to see such a successful career cut short by injury.

“I’m confident Conor will excel at whatever he moves onto and we wish him the very best of luck in his future endeavours, the door will always be open for him to return to us in some capacity.”

O’Loughlin made his debut against London Irish in August 2003 and went on to make 97 appearances for the province.