Concussion injuries end McSharry’s rugby career
Connacht Rugby have been dealt a blow just weeks before they start the defence of their PRO12 title with the news that Dave McSharry has been forced to retire at the age of just 26 due to a head injury.
The centre joined the province in 2011 and made 65 appearances for Connacht before being blighted by injuries in the past 20 months, suffering four concussions alone in 2015, and he has obeyed medical advice from a neurologist to retire.
“Although I am devastated that my time as a player has come to an end, I know that it is the only decision available to me after speaking to the specialist,” said McSharry, following a review with a neurologist last week.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as a professional rugby player with Connacht Rugby. I arrived here as a 21 year old and Galway became my home over the past five years.
“I leave Connacht Rugby with incredible memories that I will cherish forever and I am hugely proud to be leaving as a PRO12 champion. I wish Pat and the team huge success for the season ahead,” McSharry said.
His nightmare run of head injuries began in January 2015 when he sustained a concussion just before half-time in a European Challenge Cup pool game against the Exeter Chiefs in the Sportsground.
He suffered a second concussion of the year when playing against Munster in a pre-season friendly in Thomond Park in August, before suffering two more concussions in a one-month period at the end of the year.
The first occurred while playing for the Connacht Eagles against Doncaster in the British & Irish Cup on November 21 in a game that marked his return from a broken finger which he suffered in September; and he suffered his fourth concussion of the year just three weeks later in a European Challenge Cup game at home to the Newcastle Falcons, his first game back after suffering that concussion against Doncaster.
“It has been a difficult year for Dave but throughout it all he has remained the consummate professional and has contributed greatly as a valued and popular member of our team, said Connacht Head Coach, Pat Lam.
“While we are sad to see him moving on from the set up here, Dave’s health comes first and it is a reminder to all of us that rugby is only a small part of our life journey. Dave has achieved a lot in his career and I know that he will go on to achieve in other aspects of his life now. He will have a support system and friends for life from his time at Connacht Rugby and we wish him well for the future,” Lam said.