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Irish second row Ian Nagle confirms retirement from rugby

Former Munster, Leinster and Ulster second row Ian Nagle has confirmed his retirement from rugby ...



Former Munster, Leinster and Ulster second row Ian Nagle has confirmed his retirement from rugby at the age of 32.

The Corkman finishes his 11-year professional career, during which time he played for six teams across three countries.

Nagle confirmed his professional days are over, after completing his contract with Italian side Zebre, whom he has played for since 2019.

Ian Nagle started his career at Munster having come through the province's academy, winning a Celtic League title in his first season in the senior squad. He also starred in Munster's famous win that season against Australia at Thomond Park, named Man of the Match.

In 2012, he was called up to train with the Ireland squad ahead of the Six Nations, and while he didn't win a senior debut, he went on to represent Emerging Ireland on three occasions in 2013.

Nagle stepped away from professional rugby in 2014 after a loan spell at Newcastle, spending two years out of the professional game to travel, as well as pursuing an MBA at Cambridge University, during which time he played in the famous Varsity match against Oxford at Twickenham, losing 12-6 to Oxford.

He returned to the professional game with London Irish in 2016 for a short spell in the latter stages of their season, before joining Leinster that summer. The Corkman spent three seasons at the province, with a loan spell at Ulster thrown into the mix as well.

He departed Leinster in the summer of 2019, before completing the final two years of his career in Italy under the stewardship of fellow-Corkman Michael Bradley at Zebre.

Ian Nagle confirmed his retirement this afternoon on social media, tweeting: "Finished up with my last season of rugby. I feel very lucky to have worked and played alongside so many good people over the years. To everyone who supported me and wished me well - thank you!"

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