David Pollock Retires

LeeroyJones

At just 23, Ireland 'A' & Ulster's David Pollock had been forced to retire due to a recurring hip injury.
Terrible shame for any young sportsperson to have to retire so young but especially Pollock who was a huge talent.

http://www.magnersleague.com/news/6677.php

Omagh born and a product of the Royal School Dungannon, David graduated from the Ulster Academy, to sign a development contract in October 2006.
His dedication, work ethos and all-round ability were recognised when he upgraded to a full contract ahead of the start of the 2007-08 season off the back of a truly exceptional 18 months which saw him captain both Ireland U19s and U21s in their respective IRB World Championship in 2006 before leading Ireland U20s to an unprecedented Grand Slam and Six Nations double in 2007.

David who has five Ireland A caps, made his Ulster debut as a replacement against the Ospreys in 2007 and won 45 caps for Ulster during his short career, captaining the side for the first time, against Portugal in a friendly in November 2008
Pollock, who was two years into a medical degree when he was offered a full contract will return to full-time study at Queens' University. He said;

"It is with great sadness that I announce my early retirement from rugby. Whilst it was always my intention to resume my studies at Queens, I never intended it to be quite so soon. My hip injury, however, has not resolved and I have been advised I am no longer able to achieve the level of fitness required to play professional rugby."

"I count myself very fortunate to have represented Ulster at every level from schoolboy to senior team and leading out Ulster in the Heineken Cup against Stade Francais in Paris was one of the most proudest moments of my rugby career."

"Rugby with Ulster has afforded me the privilege to play with and against many great players; whilst doing so I have forged friendships and acquired memories that I will treasure for a long time to come.

I will miss playing rugby and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those who have helped me throughout my career from my years at RSD to the present day. I will especially miss the warm reception that we, the players, get at Ravenhill from the best set of supporters in the Magners League."

"I wish the team well for the rest of the season and in the years ahead. I will be cheering them on from the promenade."

On the news of David's decision, Operations Director David Humphreys commented

"Ear-marked from an early age as a future Ulster captain, David's injury problems in recent years means that we only saw glimpses of his talent in the Ulster shirt. His retirement is a huge loss for Ulster Rugby but fortunately for David, he has a long-term future mapped out in the medical profession and a new challenge awaits him away from rugby."

padser

Very sad news from a personal point of view for Pollock, also having Pollock and SOB battling it out for the Irish 7 jersey over the next couple of years would have been brilliant.

bamboozle

very sad news, i've been waiting for a few years for his break through, he's fortunate he had a good back up plan

phog

Terrible to see someone with such a future having to retire almost before he started his career. He would certainly have made the Irish Team.

Best of luck to him.

Exiled2NY

Its a real pity to see him having to retire. He was definitely a player with a big future.

marco_polo

Very sad news it looked certain he would go on to become a big player for Province and Country .

I am glad that at least he has a good non-rugby alternative to fall back on and wish him all the best in the future.

thomond2006

He could have been a top player, anytime I saw him I thought he was excellent.

Very sad news, good luck to him with his future.

PhatPiggins

Awful shame as he's a genuine out and out 7 and there's only one other in Ireland

toomevara

PhatPiggins wrote: »

Awful shame as he's a genuine out and out 7 and there's only one other in Ireland

+1...big loss and obviously very sad personally for the guy....

Conas

Truly awful news to be honest. At only 23 he should have been looking at 13 more years of playing professional rugby, and to have that taken away from him must be truly heartbreaking. Yet again the question will be asked "Are young people being properly protected when playing rugby each week?". Hook and O'Shea seemed convinced that young people aren't at risk of getting serious injuries. But parents will look at David Pollock's situation at just 23 and will think differently. First John Fogarty now young Pollock.

sickpuppy

Conas wrote: »

Truly awful news to be honest. At only 23 he should have been looking at 13 more years of playing professional rugby, and to have that taken away from him must be truly heartbreaking. Yet again the question will be asked "Are young people being properly protected when playing rugby each week?". Hook and O'Shea seemed convinced that young people aren't at risk of getting serious injuries. But parents will look at David Pollock's situation at just 23 and will think differently. First John Fogarty now young Pollock.

Rugby is a hard tough attritional sport it gets tougher the higher level you go up.
Id not listen to Hook bar his radio show but as hits get harder and kids get bigger and stronger more injuries will probably occur.

Pollack still had a great career albeit severly shortened he captained his country
played for his province and is still young enough get a good education and furthur his career.

It would be interesting to see the statistics for soccer gaelic football hurling and rugby.
last feburary i broke my leg and dislocated my ankle at 33 its probaly end of my playing days but i have no regrets about ever playing it was an unfortunate accident these things happen.
Id sooner my kids played some sports and inevitably injuries or brusies etc will occur but its a damn sight better for them than getting tendonitus in there thumbs from bloody playstation.

If you weigh up the positives of playing exercise social side
comradery againest chances of injury i think theres a clear winner.

thomond2006

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/rugby_union/my_club/ulster/9220302.stm

Interview with Pollock.