Conor Gilsenan has retired with immediate effect

London Irish back row Conor Gilsenan has been forced to retire from the sport with immediate effect due to medical reasons, following six seasons with the Exiles. Having joined from Leinster ahead of the 2014/15 season, the 27-year-old Mullingar native went on to make over 70 appearances for the club, crossing for six tries.

Gilsenan appeared five times for Irish in the 2910/20 season in the Premiership Rugby Cup and the European Challenge Cup, his final appearance coming last November against Bayonne at the Madejski Stadium.

“It is with a heavy heart that I'm wrapping up my career in rugby and my time with London Irish, a club that quickly became my adopted home over the past six years,” said Gilsenan.

“I have played with some incredible players, built relationships with extraordinary people and represented a special club with great supporters. 

"Thanks to everyone who played a part in my time at Irish, fond memories I will take with me for a lifetime. The future is bright for the club with the move back to London on the horizon. I look forward to supporting the boys in Brentford.”

Playing most of his rugby at openside flanker, Gilsenan also captained the Exiles on a number of occasions and his retirement has saddened London Irish boss Declan Kidney. “Conor is everything that is good about London Irish, always very welcoming, positive and determined," he said.

“In a club of Exiles, he welcomed everyone with open arms and as hard as he worked on the pitch, where he gave every minute everything he had, he did likewise off the pitch by continually looking out for his fellow players and clubmates. All at London Irish thank Conor for his dedicated service and wish him the very best for his future.”