Take a look at some of the social media reactions to Jamie Heaslip announcing his retirement from rugby
Social Media Reacts to Jamie Heaslip Retirement
Irish back-rower Jamie Heaslip this week announced his retirement from rugby with immediate effect.
The former Ireland captain won 95 caps for his country between 2006 and 2017, but after having surgery on his back twice in 2017 has taken medical advice to stop playing due to the injury.
Heaslip had a legendary career for Leinster and Ireland, winning three Heineken Cups and three Pro12 titles with his province as well as a Grand Slam in 2009 and two more Six Nations titles. He was also part of the Ireland team that famously beat New Zealand in 2016.
The No 8 won five caps for the British & Irish Lions on the tours to South Africa in 2009 and Australia in 2013.
The news of Heaslip’s retirement caused plenty of reaction on social media, his team-mates and rugby-playing contemporaries leading the way in paying tribute to the 34-year-old.
Rugby icon Brian O’Driscoll played a significant portion of his career alongside Heaslip for Leinster, Ireland and the Lions, and he was quick to show his admiration on Twitter:
Sad to see injury forcing @jamieheaslip into early retirement. What a servant to @leinsterrugby, @IrishRugby & @lionsofficial he’s been. A terrific professional and incredibly savvy player that you could only fully appreciate as a team mate. pic.twitter.com/3JijdYnpAe
— Brian O'Driscoll (@BrianODriscoll) February 26, 2018
Former Ireland winger Simon Zebo was simple but effective with his post:
What a career,
Player,
And teammate ??
Happy retirement brother @jamieheaslip pic.twitter.com/xDVKKdELqu— Simon Zebo (@SimonZebo) February 26, 2018
Heaslip’s former Leinster and Ireland team-mate Ian Madigan said:
It has been incredible to get to know @jamieheaslip as a player and a person. For me he set the standard with professionalism so I did my best to copy him. So many great memories in Green and Blue and looking forward seeing you go well in your next chapter. Thanks Jamie pic.twitter.com/E0WoCNrH7X
— Ian madigan (@Ian_madigan) February 26, 2018
Wales flanker Sam Warburton, who captained Heaslip on the 2013 Lions tour, was also full of praise:
Congratulations on an awesome career @jamieheaslip. Definitely left whatever jersey you wore in a better place. Privilege to share a pitch, jersey and hotel room with you! ??
— Sam Warburton (@samwarburton_) February 26, 2018
Springbok winger Bryan Habana congratulated Heaslip on a stellar career, as well as making a joke about accidental gurning!
Not only was he a tough #FacePulling opponent, he is an all round top bloke and one hell of a rugby player… Sad to see you have to call it quits @jamieheaslip but utter respect for an insanely impressive career and being a 1 Club man ??
Strength for the next chapter!! pic.twitter.com/7uA2DKTuxO— Bryan Habana (@BryanHabana) February 26, 2018
Heaslip spent his entire professional career with Leinster, who tweeted:
A legend hangs up his boots.
Thanks for everything, @jamieheaslip. #ThanksJamie pic.twitter.com/M32DNQ8m2X
— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) February 26, 2018
The IRFU’s official Twitter account also shared a number of photos from throughout Heaslip’s career:
Thank you @jamieheaslip pic.twitter.com/DcIcntEh4h
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) February 26, 2018
And the British & Irish Lions posted this message:
What a career! ???
Wishing Lion #760 @jamieheaslip all the best in his retirement.#ThanksJamie pic.twitter.com/38mFNNi6i2
— British&Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) February 26, 2018
As the social media reaction above shows, Heaslip will be missed on the world’s rugby pitches and it will be interesting to see what he does next.
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