Ireland prop Nathan White forced to retire with concussion

Ireland and Connacht prop Nathan White has been forced to retire following medical advice over concussion, the province confirmed on Wednesday. 

New Zealand-born White, 35, has 13 international caps for Ireland and has been with Pro12 champions Connacht for five seasons since signing in 2012, after spending his first season in Ireland with Leinster. 

White first picked up his concussion in March 2016 during a a Pro12 fixture with old side Leinster at the Sportsground.

Since then, the former Waikato captain's return-to-play protocols have not gone to plan and after a medical consultation White was advised that he should retire from rugby. 

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"Nathan has been a very important part of the team and organisation over the last number of years. He has contributed a great deal to the culture here and has inspired so many young players with his leadership on and off the pitch," said Connacht Rugby CEO Willie Ruane.

"He will of course be sorely missed at Connacht Rugby but he can be proud of what he has achieved both here and with Ireland. Our best wishes are with Nathan, Bronwyn and the kids for the future and the next chapter of their lives."

White leaves the game having made 58 appearances for the Galway-based club and gained 13 Ireland caps having made his debut in line with rugby's residency laws in 2015 at 33-years-old. 

The former Chiefs tight-head featured in all five of Ireland's 2015 Rugby World Cup fixture as well as all five of Ireland's Six Nations games in 2016. 

"While it's disappointing to finish up this way and not on my own terms, I feel that I can look back at my rugby career with a lot of pride. I am retiring at 35 years of age and with so many great memories from my time playing in both New Zealand and Ireland," said White.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed my time playing for Connacht Rugby and I'd like to thank everyone there who welcomed us from day one - all the staff, management team, the supporters, volunteers and of course my team mates. Connacht is a unique place and I'm proud to say I was part of it all at such a special time for the club.

"I'd also really like to thank Joe [Schmidt] for giving me the opportunity to come here in the first place and then to play for Ireland. To have the chance to represent Ireland at the World Cup was an extremely special time in my life and something I will cherish forever.

"I'm not sure what exactly the future holds but I know I am really excited about it. I've loved my time as a player but feel I am ready to move on now and challenge myself in other ways."  

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