Munster's Dowling forced to retire

Rugby:Munster winger Ian Dowling is "gutted" after being forced into early retirement as a result of a hip injury sustained against Ospreys last September. The 28-year-old informed his teammates, who are preparing to take on Brive in the Amlin Challenge Cup quarter-final on Saturday, ahead of training in CIT this morning.

"It's been a fabulous experience. I've made some great friends and take with me really great memories, the two Heineken Cup wins obviously the highlights. But besides that, I've had wonderful times with Munster," said Dowling.

"In fairness I've received all the help and assistance I could have asked for from the Munster medics and I'm hugely appreciative of all the time and effort they've put in trying to get me back. We've explored every avenue possible but in the end I know this is the right decision, the only one really."

Dowling made his debut for the province in 2005 against the Scarlets in the Magners League and went on to win 97 caps and played in both the 2006 and 2008 Heineken Cup final wins and won a Magners League medal in 2009.

He also won two Ireland caps against Canada and the United States in May 2009

Knowing the extent of his hip injury, Dowling also made provisions for a life after rugby by enrolling in a degree course in Physiotherapy in UL. "I'd have to say I'm excited about this new direction. A lot of the skills that I needed to bring to professional rugby are transferable to what I'm doing now.

"But again I have to thank the course director who has been so supportive in facilitating my studies while I was also rehabbing this injury.

"I've been fortunate really. I had a great career as a professional rugby player. Enjoyed success with Munster. Got to travel the world. And am lucky now to be in the position I'm in with a new career hopefully beckoning. But there is a lesson here for all those looking to follow a pro rugby path. It can end abruptly. Keep that in your mind if you're sitting in a classroom with only dreams of playing in Thomond Park," added Dowling.

Munster have also confirmed Sam Tuitupou will leave at the end of the season and is likely to return to the English Premiership.

The 29-year-old New Zealander joined from Worcester Warriors at the start of this season and was seen as a replacement for Springbok Jean de Villiers at inside centre.

“We here at Munster thank Sammy for his efforts this season,” said Munster coach Tony McGahan on the province’s website today. “He has been a popular member of the squad and has certainly added to our backline unit.

“His dynamic work at the contact area has been a strong focal point for us in both attack and defence. We wish him the best in both his rugby and personal life in the future.”

Tuitupou has featured in 18 games for Munster and scored 10 points.