David Wallace to retire

Fireball07 · 03-05-2012 9:15pm

Watching the video makes me feel sad we'll never see that again. Wally making yards and scoring tries with players hanging off him is one of my favourite sights in rugby.

And he didn't even get a last World Cup or a last shot at a Heineken Cup final

I feel sick.

Teferi · 03-05-2012 9:17pm

Everything a buddy rugby player should aim to be. Will be sadly missed. No doubt he will do well in whatever career he chooses to pursue.

BBDBB · 03-05-2012 9:20pm

SomeFool wrote: »

Always think of this, and williams is no slouch!

Good luck to wally, top class in his day!

my memory may be flawed

but I recall him being second only to Hickey for pace back in the day

Ms Happy · 03-05-2012 9:28pm

mikedragon32 wrote: »

I was gutted for him when he was injured in the England game pre-RWC.

Fantastic player, loved watching him play for Ireland and dreaded seeing him on teamsheets for games against Leinster.

Best of luck in the future.

I'll never forget that game, he went down right in front of where I was sitting. It was obvious straight away something was really wrong.

Best of luck in the future +1

RoundBox11 · 03-05-2012 10:03pm

I heard about this on the radio earlier today and i was genuinely sad.

Wally was always an inspiration to me not only because he was such a great player, but also the way he carried himself. He always gave 100% and was a gentleman.

It's such a shame his career had to end the way it did.

One of the true legends of Irish rugby.

Hammer Archer · 03-05-2012 11:47pm

Wish him all the best. Quality quality player. Sad to see him have to retire.

Pride Fighter · 04-05-2012 7:38am

I hope he has a great retirement. A genuine Irish legend.

04-05-2012 8:07am

Not just a fantastic player, an absolute gentleman. In all his years playing I don't remember any incidents of niggle, or bad tackling etc.

That clip of him chasing down Shane Williams is one of my favourite rugby videos of all time. He did it without breaking a sweat, made the tackle, dragged him to the touchline and was back on his feet instantly, ready to get the next guy.

Hero

peterako · 04-05-2012 9:53am

One of my all time favourite Irish players.

All said before - pace, strength, rugby brain....Legend!

Was guuted for years waiting for him to be called up to the Irish team...then when he did the impact was immense!!

Thank you David Wallace!

totallegend · 04-05-2012 10:05am

A great player, never needed to get involved in stupid niggly stuff that a lot of aging back-rowers get up to as their physical powers wane, he could stilll rely on his power and pace.

It's a shame he only got to play in one World Cup, but when you look back at the 2003 squad, the back-rows were Miller, Costello, Gleeson, Easterby, Foley and Quinlan. We have some conveyor of back-row forwards.

part time punk · 04-05-2012 11:02am

totallegend wrote: »

It's a shame he only got to play in one World Cup, .

... and the 2007 one at that ! Sad to see him go, an Ireland legend and a Munster ligind. I could be wrong but I never seem to recall these 'groundhog' number 7 debates back when he was playing in his prime, as he was a nailed on starter anyway.

phog · 04-05-2012 2:11pm

Some photo highlights of Wallys career - more here

Cpt_Blackbeard · 05-05-2012 11:15am

More glowing reports of Wally in the Examiner. This time it is POC and Best with the reviews. Article can be found here.

When POC rates you as the best Munster player over the last 10-12 years, you know you're doing something right.

David Wallace to retire

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