Leinster have confirmed that Isa Nacewa will leave the province, and retire from professional rugby, at the end of the season due to family reasons. The announcement comes as a blow to the province as it follows soon after after the loss of Jonathan Sexton, who will join Racing Metro at the same time that NAcewa returns home to New Zealand.

Nacewa played 116 times for Leinster over five years, and had been a pivotal figure in the recent success of the side, winning 3 European Cups and being named both the IRUPA and Leinster Rugby play of the year in 2011. In 2011 Nacewa was also selected in the Pro12 Dream team and nominated for ERC European Player of the Year.

Leinster coach Joe Schmidt didn’t hold back in his praise for the New Zealand born full back, saying:
“I’ve known Isa for a number of years. He’s universally respected due to the quality of his character, his athleticism, skill and commitment.

“He has been great value for us, not just on the field where he has provided a string of highlights but off the field also, where he has contributed enormously to the development of the players around him.”

“He’s hugely popular amongst supporters and hopefully they will enjoy a few more outstanding performances from Isa in the coming weeks."

Image: Isa Nacewa ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan