One cap Ireland international retires after failing to win new contract

Former Ireland international and Munster hooker Mike Sherry has retired from rugby, citing an inability to win a new contract as one of the primary reasons.

The hooker who won one cap for Ireland will hang up his boots after more than a decade in the professional game. While he spent a loan spell at Gloucester at the tail end of his career, he will be remembered for his contributions to Munster Rugby.

Sherry made his Munster debut in 2009 and scored 12 tries in 108 appearances for the province. The hooker enjoyed Magners League success and featured in Munster’s historic win over Australia during the 2010/11 season.

In a statement, Sherry stated:

"It is with very mixed emotions that I have decided to retire from professional rugby. It has been an incredible journey, but it is now time to move onto the next chapter of my life. The prospect of possibly picking up another contract was something I was very much pursuing but the longer it went on, the more I realised my body was telling me to stop.

"I've ignored existing injuries for a long time, but I can no longer do so. The maintenance involved in just being able to train let alone play has taken its toll on my body these last couple of years. I would love to continue playing but I simply can't anymore. I feel I'm physically incapable of getting back to my best and I want to be healthy for my young children.

"I am immensely proud and grateful to have been able to represent my home team of Munster for so many years. It has been a near lifelong obsession of mine to play for Munster. Since the age of 10 it has dominated my thought process and has dictated my decision making in almost everything I've done.

"I absolutely loved it from start to finish. It gave incredible purpose and excitement to my life. I will never truly be able to articulate the amount of enjoyment and fun I had going to training with my closest friends every single day. Thank you to the incredible supporters who continuously amazed me during my time with Munster.

"I would also like to thank Gloucester Rugby for affording me the opportunity to play some rugby before I called it a day. I loved my short stint time with the club.

"I took great pride in playing for the club whenever I got the chance. I will never forget pulling on the Irish jersey and representing my country in 2013. It remains a special memory for myself and my family. I'm proud to be a member of Axel's 1 Cap Wonder team!

"I owe a great deal to the Munster medical and S&C staff, both past and present. The amount of time and work that was put into me is something I'll never forget. Only for them my career would have ended a long time ago."

"Lastly, I'd like to thank my family. Throughout my career there were some very long and difficult spells due to injuries. During these periods I received amazing support from the people closest to me, especially my parents along with my wife, Katie, and two children, Georgia and Josh. They provided a welcome distraction during the darker days and were always a source of unwavering support and belief.

"For now, I'm looking forward to getting my body right and hopefully finding a new venture that will give me as much enjoyment as rugby has."