Northampton and Ireland centre David Quinlan has been forced to retire from rugby with immediate effect, thereby missing out on a chance to play in Sunday's Heineken European Cup semi-final against London Wasps.
A history of concussions during his playing career has meant that on the last but one occasion he received a blow to the head he was warned that any further incidents could have serious repercussions.
Having received another concussion in a recent match he consulted with a neurosurgeon, who on reviewing an MRI scan, advised him to quit the sport.
The 29-year-old admitted: "It was my firm intention to see out the remaining year of my contract and it is with great regret that I've had to end my career in this way. Rugby's been a massive part of my life for many years and I'm going to miss it greatly.
"It's been a wonderful couple of years here at Franklin's Gardens. I've loved playing for the Saints with some great guys and under some great coaches. And in all my time I've never come across such a welcoming and dedicated set of supporters as those at Northampton.
"I hope to contribute what I can for the remainder of the season to ensure that there will be Premiership rugby at the Gardens next season and European success this year."
Quinlan, who won two senior Ireland caps, played 35 times for Northampton on joining from Leinster in 2005. Educated at Blackrock College - he was a very fine soccer player in his youth - he graduated from UCD with a law degree and subsequently a Masters in criminology from Cambridge University. He also won a blue in rugby while at Cambridge.
Northampton coach Paul Grayson said: "We're disappointed to lose a player of his quality. It's a cruel way for his career to finish. He put his body on the line time and again for the club. David played a big part in our success last season.
"He's a very intelligent man and his understanding of the game is very good. We're losing a leader as well as a well-liked member of the squad."
Quinlan is the second player to retire from rugby at Northampton in the last week, following former England hooker Steve Thompson's decision to quit with neck problems.
Meanwhile, the venues and dates for the AIB League Divisions One, Two and Three finals have been confirmed.
Templeville Road, home to St Mary's College, will host the Divisions Two and Three finals tomorrow week.
The Division Three decider will kick-off at 2pm, to be followed by the Division Two version at 4pm. The Division One final will be played at Musgrave Park, Cork, on Saturday, May 5th (2.30pm).
