Nacewa And Strauss To Retire At End Of Season

Isa Nacewa (35), who has been capped 182 times for Leinster since his debut in September 2008, is bringing the curtain down on an illustrious career in Leinster blue which, to date, includes three Heineken Cup medals, a Challenge Cup medal and a PRO12 title.

Richardt Strauss (32), who made his debut in February 2010, has also had a profound impact on the province, winning two Heineken Cups, a Challenge Cup and two PRO12 titles in his time with Leinster. He represented Ireland on 17 occasions, including three appearances at the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Together with the recently-retired Jamie Heaslip and the departing Jordi Murphy, six players will be acknowledged by the province at their Awards Ball this evening as Leo Cullen also confirmed that Cathal Marsh and Peadar Timmins will depart at the end of the season.

“It is hard to articulate the impact that both Isa and Richardt have had on Leinster since their arrival,” said Cullen. “Warriors on the pitch and wonderful men off it, they are, in my opinion, two of the best players to have ever worn the blue jersey. Their impact on this group of players will be felt for years to come. 

“We will also say goodbye this evening to Peadar and Cathal who have come through the Leinster pathway and are two great examples of that route and the success that can be had if you apply yourself in the right way. I wish them all the very best of luck in their future endeavours.”

Cullen is looking forward to giving all six players the send-off they deserved, adding: “It’s a difficult one because obviously you don’t want to get distracted with so much rugby still left to be played this season, but it is important that we formally recognise the impact that these six players have had on the province.

“I think this evening at the Awards Ball in front of their team-mates, their family and close friends is the perfect time to do that but once that is done, I know they will want everyone to focus on finishing the season as strongly as possible and I think, for them and for the rest of us, there is no better way of finishing out the season or your time at Leinster than that.”

LEINSTER 2017/18 DEPARTING PLAYERS:

Jamie Heaslip – 12 British & Irish Lions caps, 95 Ireland Caps, 229 Leinster caps, 30 tries 
Cathal Marsh – 26 Leinster caps, 2 tries 
Jordi Murphy – 20 Ireland caps, 104 Leinster caps, 17 tries
Isa Nacewa – 1 Fiji cap, 182 Leinster caps, 47 tries 
Richardt Strauss – 17 Ireland caps, 154 Leinster caps, 12 tries 
Peadar Timmins – 12 Leinster caps