Irish star forced to retire

Ireland flank David Wallace has retired after failing to recover from the knee injury that ruled him out of last year’s World Cup in New Zealand.

The 35-year-old Munster forward did return to play for his province, but is still suffering from what the team calls “ongoing medical issues.”

He made the last of his 203 appearances for Munster in last month’s Heineken Cup quarterfinal against Ulster.

Wallace says “although it’s disappointing that injury is forcing me to retire now, I take great comfort that I’ve had an unbelievably enjoyable career.”

Wallace made his Ireland debut in 2000 and played 72 times for his country. He also played three tests for the British and Irish Lions in 2009.

SAPA-AP