David Wallace has retired from rugby – Rugby News Update
David Wallace, the Irish back-row player has decided to call time on his career. The 35-year-old’s career has been blighted by injuries in the recent past, which have forced him to retire from the game.
Wallace does have a few more years left in him but once injuries take a toll on a player, it is difficult to regain form and a place in the team. He was always meant to play rugby, and one could say it was in his genes, as his two brothers RM Wallace and
PS Wallace also played for Ireland.
On his retirement, Wallace was casual and spoke eloquently, saying, "Although it's disappointing that injury is forcing me to retire now, I take great comfort that I've had an unbelievably enjoyable career.”
The back-row Munster player has an influential career, besides playing for Ireland, also represented the British and Irish Lions 3 times. His brothers also presented the British and Irish Lions, making them the only three members of the same family to play
for the Lions.
He was circumspect on the success he brought to Ireland and Munster, saying, "I feel very lucky to have been involved in an era that has seen Munster and Ireland enjoy so much success.”
Speaking about the growth of Rugby over the last decade, Wallace who played 72 tests for Ireland, said, "Professional rugby has exploded in popularity and changed beyond all recognition in this country since I began and I feel honoured to have played witness
to its massive improvement."
Born on the 8th of July 1976, the back-row made his debut against Argentina in 2000 at Buenos Aires, on June 3rd. He impressed in his debut game, and his impressive performances earned him a call-up to the 2001 British and Lions tour
to South Africa.
The first signs of medical problems started around that time and he was not able to cement a place in the Ireland team till 2006. He won the Heineken Cup in 2006 and again in 2008 with Munster and this brought a change in fortunes for him.
He was repeatedly selected for the Ireland rugby team, and he played his last match for his national team against England at Lansdowne Road, on August 27, 2011.
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