Anthony Foley Announces Retirement Date

phog

Foley Announces Retirement Date
21 January 2008, 4:49 pm
By Pat Geraghty

Munster’s most capped player (192 caps) Anthony Foley today announced that he will retire from rugby, both club and province, at the end of the current season. Foley's record 85th Heineken Cup appearance in Saturday’s Pool Five decider against London Wasps helped Munster to the knock-out stages for the 10th consecutive season. His 23 Heineken Cup tries makes him Munster’s leading try scorer in that competition, and his overall total of 44 sees him lead the try scoring list for the province. In addition he has been capped by Ireland at senior level on 62 occasions and also represented his country at Schools, Under 21 and A levels.

He made his senior competitive debut for Munster against Edinburgh in October 1994 and won the first of those 85 Heineken Cup caps just over a year later against Swansea in Thomond Park.

Speaking about his decision the 34 year old who led Munster to Heineken Cup victory in 2006 said, “It goes without saying that I have enjoyed my time immensely with Munster. I’ve had a great career and I would like to say thanks to all those, starting in St Munchin’s, then in my club Shannon and Munster for helping me in my career. I dont want to mention names in case I leave people out but my sincere thanks to those who have helped me along the way.

“I’m not sure there is a good time to go, certainly isn’t easy to leave it behind but I think the end of this season is the right time to hang up the boots. I would also like to thank my colleagues down the years, acknowledge their contribution in both club and Province and wish the current squad the very best in their endeavours.

Commenting on the news, Munster coach Declan Kidney said, “ What can you say about an individual like Anthony Foley. His statistics says one thing about him, over 13 years of top flight rugby, but those in the squad and anagement will remember his influence in the dressing room and his calmness and uthority on the field. "Everyone knows him as a very good player. We know him as a very good man.” But Kidney was quick to remind that, “ He’s not gone anywhere yet. There’s still a lot of rugby to be played between now and the end of the season, and we’ll be doing our level best to make it a memorable end to a tremendous career.

phog

A true professional and legend to Club, Province and Country.

A big thank you for all ther hours of enjoyment you have given to me an my family. Well Done.

EdgarAllenPoo

He'll be missed. He certainly doesn't play like he's 34 but I suppose if he feels he should go then it's the right time.

old boy

thanks for the memorys axel,

toomevara

A true 'ligind'...

GreenHell

One of Ireland best players, should have had more caps and could only have been an asset at the last world cup. All the best in the future, a real legend.

Shan75

An outstanding player for Shannon,Munster and Ireland.Retiring at the right time as he has been playing so well this year.He won't become one of those players who have tarnished their reputations by staying on too long.

Bounty Hunter

I would love Foleys last match as a professional rugby player to be the HC final. He was an outstanding player for Munster, Shannon and Ireland whom he should have got more caps for. Cmon Axel lift the European cup once more

Sabre0001

Will be sad to see him go, especially because he is still playing brilliantly...Maybe we can put him into a "managers" position and then keep playing him every week - Hey it's worked before!

ven0m

Playing him in the six nations at number 8 would now appear pointless & they may as well just let Heaslip get on with it & be 'blooded' for the next world cup at numbern 8 for Ireland......... that's my 5 cent



:::: ven0mous ::::

sioda

Axel really has been a great force for Club Province and Munster. It takes a great player to relinquish the captaincy and stay.

I think there is more left in him really do hope they keep him in the background like Jim Williams and Shaun "the manager" Payne

Axel you raised the holy cup well done and best of luck

Homer J Simpson

I met Axel at the RWC 2003 when in Adelaide and he was an absolute gentleman. Always gave 100% on the field. Hopefully over the next few years he will form some part of the coaching staff for Munster. One of the highlights of my life so far was watching him lift the Heineken cup in Cardiff. Great memories.
Best wishes and thanks.

gcgirl

Axel was one of those players that you think would go on for years! He was and still is a great player ! Rock on Axel!!:D

CJhaughey

And the fact that his last TP appearance was kept quiet because he didn't want to make a big deal about it shows the guys true character, a consummate professional.

PiP 101

True warrior probably one of the greatest men to wear 8 . Its a pity he wont keep goin for shannon though because guaranteed he could keep it goin .

toomevara

ven0m wrote: »

Playing him in the six nations at number 8 would now appear pointless

I'd go the other way, I'd give him the number 8 shirt and the captaincy for the 6N.

MikeHoncho

Thanks for the memories Axel. Despite your butterfingers period you are a true legend of Irish rugby and will go down as one of the best to pull on a number 8 jersey on for Munster and Ireland.

marco_polo

Best of luck Axel a total Munster Legend.

Whats the next step I wonder, will he take up a coaching role with Munster or open a nightclub in Limerick city

Podge_irl

toomevara wrote: »

I'd go the other way, I'd give him the number 8 shirt and the captaincy for the 6N.

He's too old and slow for international rugby unfortunately, because he is exactly the kind of captain Ireland needs.