Munster full-back Felix Jones forced to retire

Munster full-back Felix Jones has been forced to retire due to a neck injury.

Jones was injured during the Pro12 encounter against Glasgow Warriors earlier this month - a game in which he captained the side.

The 28-year-old made 90 appearances for Munster, scoring ten tries.

"It is still unthinkable to believe I will never play another game," Jones said. "I have always had one driving purpose in my life and that was to play rugby. I'm grateful I could do that in Munster.

"That feeling of walking out the tunnel in front of a packed Thomond Park is something I will never forget. To accept I will not play with my team-mates again is beyond upsetting.

"I'm lucky to have played with so many great players, but rugby has given me something better and that is the people who are now life-long friends."

Jones joined Munster from the Leinster academy in 2009, making his debut against the Warriors; the side he would play his final game against. While at the club, Jones won the Magners League title against rivals Leinster in May 2011.

He won 13 Ireland caps and was part of this year's Six Nations Championship winning squad. He also featured in the World Cup warm-up matches, scoring in Ireland's 35-21 win against Wales in Cardiff.

"I'm indebted to everyone who has helped me throughout my career from Seapoint my home club, Old Belvedere, Shannon and all the way up to representing Ireland," Jones said.

"Without doubt the proudest moment of my career was being given the privilege to win my first cap for my country.

"Finally, I would like to thank my family and close friends for their undying support on and off the pitch.

"I will draw upon this over the coming weeks as the situation presents itself as a nervous yet exciting junction in my life."

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The news has come as a big blow for the club.  

"We are all hugely disappointed for Felix," said Munster Head Coach Anthony Foley. "He was a leading example in the way he applied himself through his commitment, work-rate and attention to detail.

"For a player to come in, embody everything that is Munster and have such a presence within the group he will be sorely missed on and off the field."