Former Irish full-back Rory O'Loughlin has retired after failing to recover from a shoulder injury that limited his season at Exeter to just four matches.
The 2023 Premiership Rugby Cup winner last played for the Chiefs in January, but that start in the Investec Champions Cup win over Glasgow was limited to just 10 minutes and he has been unable to regain fitness since.
A statement read: “Exeter Chiefs center/winger Rory O'Loughlin has been advised to retire from rugby on medical grounds.
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“The Dublin player suffered a serious shoulder injury at the start of the season and, despite an extensive rehabilitation period and attempts to return to playing, after seeking medical advice, he has been advised to retire from the sport.
O'Loughlin joined Chiefs at the start of the 2022/23 season from United Rugby Championship side Leinster and has since made 24 appearances for Chiefs. The 30-year-old, a former St Michael's College student, made his senior debut. Leinster team in September 2016 against Benetton at the RDS.
“In the years since, he has made 99 appearances for the county, collecting a winner's medal in the 2018 Champions Cup and four Pro14 finals. Having already enjoyed international appearances on the sevens circuit, O'Loughlin made his senior international debut for Ireland against Japan in 2017 .
“The club would like to thank Rory for his time as Chairman of Exeter and wish him well in all that lies ahead.”
“Although it has been difficult over the past few months to adapt to this new reality, I consider myself extremely fortunate to have played for two great teams, alongside some of the best players in the game, and more importantly some of my best teammates,” he said. O'Loughlin.
“Although this season didn't go to plan, I loved my time here at Exeter. I was lucky enough to play in front of a packed Sandy Park several times in my first season.
“I have made friends here for life and the people of Exeter have been incredibly welcoming to me and my family. I am looking forward to returning as a Chiefs fan and supporting the boys.
