‘It’s been one hell of a journey’ – Ruddock to retire

Leinster back-row Rhys Ruddock has confirmed he will retire from rugby at the end of the season.

The 33-year-old will retire as one of the province’s most decorated players, having played 228 games for Leinster since his debut in 2009, leaving him fifth in the their all-time list.

The son of former Leinster and Wales head coach Mike, Ruddock was born in Dublin and grew up in Wales, before joining the Leinster academy and making his debut for the province against the Dragons.

Ruddock was called up to the Ireland senior squad as a 19-year-old on the summer tour of Australia in 2010 by then-coach Declan Kidney, making his debut against the Wallabies in Brisbane.

The flanker was part of Ireland’s 2014 Six Nations winning squad, winning 27 caps, the last of which came against France in 2021. He also featured in the 2015 and 2019 Rugby World Cups.

“This has been an incredibly difficult decision to make. To retire from playing the game you love isn’t easy, however, after 15 years of professional rugby, I feel the time is right for me now and I’m excited for the next chapter,” Ruddock said.

“Supporting the Leinster team in Donnybrook as an eight-year-old, while my dad was coach, I could only have dreamed about putting on a Leinster jersey myself. To go on to play my whole career with this team has been a dream come true.”

Ruddock captained Ireland at various stages during his career, and was also Leinster’s youngest every captain when he skippered the province against Aironi as a 20-year-old.

In his time at Leinster, the versatile forward has been part of six URC title winnings squads, while also winning three Champions Cup titles and a Challenge Cup.

He has been used sparingly by Leinster this season, featuring just seven times, and although there was speculation earlier this season that he could return to Wales to finish his career, the veteran has decided to retire as a one-cub man.

“Leinster has been such a huge part of my life. I have made some of my best friends here, with teammates past and present and had the privilege to be coached by, and work with, the most amazing group of people.

“To have had the opportunity to captain both Leinster and Ireland has been an incredible honour and is something I will always treasure and look back on with pride.

“I am hugely appreciative of the support the fans have given us over the years and have always felt privileged to represent you.

“It’s been one hell of a journey so far; so many incredible memories made and friendships built. I’m looking forward to giving everything I can to help this team finish this season on a high,” he added.

Leinster head coach Leo Cullen paid tribute to Ruddock today: “The Ruddock family have played a huge role in the evolution of Leinster Rugby in the professional era.

“Rhys’ father Mike was our first full-time professional coach and Rhys was a young boy back in 1997 when I first laid eyes on him! He certainly grew up quickly representing Ireland first when he was only 19.

“I was lucky enough to both play with and coach Rhys. He has been a fantastic player and role model to so many others during his time with Leinster. He has amazing leadership qualities and is a great competitor who has shown a deep care for so many of his teammates during his distinguished career.

“We would like to wish Rhys and all the Ruddock family every success for the future.”

Ruddock is expected to follow in his father’s footsteps in retirement, moving into the coaching world where he will be working with Lansdowne in the Energia All Ireland League next season.