Fergus McFadden going over for a Leinster try against Ospreys at the RDS in Dublin on Oct. 4. INPHO/TOMMY DICKSON
Ireland and Leinster back Fergus McFadden has confirmed that he will retire from professional rugby at the end of the season. The Kildare native made his debut for Leinster in Sept. 2007, and went on to play 184 times for the province. He played in some of Leinster’s best days, including the 2011 Heineken Cup Final against Northampton Saints and the 2012 final against Ulster. His provincial form saw him earn 34 caps for Ireland, scoring 10 tries and appearing at the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand. McFadden, who will be 34 next month, said: ‘‘They say the best time to leave a party is when you are still having fun so the time has come for me to announce my retirement from the end of the season. It has been privilege to have had such a long career playing for the team I grew up supporting and pulling on a green jersey to play for my country. It has been a dream come true.’’
-- Sean Creedon
