Concussion forces Leicester's 28-year-old Ireland international to retire

Former Ireland international Dominic Ryan has been forced to retire due to concussion aged just 28.

His former club Leinster confirmed the news on social media stating "Former Gonzaga College @LansdowneFC #LeinsterRugby and @IrishRugby player Dominic Ryan has been forced to retire through injury. He played over 100 times for Leinster before moving to @LeicesterTigers in 2017. Very best of luck in the next chapter Dippy. #LeinsterFamily"

Leicester were heavily criticised for not subjecting Ryan to a HIA assessment during a Premiership match with Northampton on September 9th at Franklin's Gardens last year following a collision with George North's elbow in the 52nd minute while attempting a cover tackle.

Ryan went on to finish the game against Northampton.

Dominic Ryan tackles George North during Premiership match between Northampton Saints and Leicester Tigers at Franklin's Gardens on September 9, 2017 (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Ryan injured as he tries to tackle George North during Aviva Premiership match between Northampton Saints and Leicester Tigers at Franklin's Gardens on September 9, 2017. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Two weeks later Ryan had a HIA during Leicester's win at Harlequins on 23 September and wasn't selected for the next two matches.

The Tigers then elected to give Ryan a 12-week break to try and recover from the effects of concussion, but the flanker has now been forced to call it a day.

Ryan won his single Ireland cap against Georgia in November 2014.

Watch now: In a new RugbyPass series - Beyond 80 - takes an unflinching look at the reality of concussion in rugby. 'Knocked' sees players, referees, medics and the sport's bodies give a unique insight into the condition and what's being done to combat it