As Jamie Heaslip announces his retirement, he looks as new career opportunities. Photo credit: Currency FairIrish rugby legend Jamie Heaslip announced his retirement earlier this week. Heaslip was capped 100 times in total at test level, 95 times for Ireland and 5 times with the British and Irish Lions. Heaslip also notched up 229 appearances for Leinster since his first start 13 years ago against Neath-Swansea Ospreys. Heaslip has not played since he picked up an injury in a warm up before Ireland played England in the 2017 6 Nations. Here, we’ve compiled some of Heaslip’s best moments on the pitch.
2016 World Rugby Try of the Year
Heaslip scored the World Rugby Try of the Year in 2016 in Ireland’s 6 Nations match against Italy. A classic, length of the field team try, where Heaslip spotted the potential on the other side of the pitch when the initial line break was made and ran an incredible supporting line to finish the try off.
Try, 2009 Heineken Cup
This try as the turning point in Leinster’s first Heineken Cup final. Leicester were leading at half time but Heaslip’s try proved to be a turning point with 30 minutes left to play and Leinster won their first Heineken Cup.
2011 Heineken Cup Final
Heaslip was one of several key players on a day when the game looked like it was wrapped up in the first half. Leinster came back from a 22-6 deficit to score 27 unanswered points in the second half, winning the match 33-22.
2016, Ireland 40 – New Zealand 29
Who will ever forget this nail-biting match? Ireland put 5 tries over on the All Blacks, and Heaslip set up the dummy run for the try that sealed the match.
2015 6 Nations – Try saving tackle saves the title
Ireland were laying Scotland and winning 40 – 10, so the try wouldn’t have lost them the game. However, it would have damaged Ireland’s point difference which is how they won in 2015.
Happy retirement, and may good things come your way, Jamie Heaslip!
