Munster skipper Peter O'Mahony admits he is gutted for Dan Leavy, his former provincial rival and Ireland back row colleague who has been forced to retire due to injury at the age of 27.
The Leinster star, who is a Grand Slam and Champions Cup winner, announced the news earlier today and O'Mahony said that the Blues and Ireland have lost an "incredible" player.
"I certainly want to start off by saying I'm gutted to hear the news for him," said O'Mahony in Munster's press conference today ahead of Saturday's European clash with Exeter Chiefs.
"An incredible athlete, an incredible rugby player, but he's a top man which is more important.
"Playing alongside him, I was lucky enough to do it in the 2018 season when we won the Slam, and he was into everything, an incredibly pivotal role in that campaign and that team.
"He really kicked on into that group - that younger age group that's with Ireland, he really kicked on with them and was destined for great things.
"It's very tough for everyone playing rugby in Ireland to hear that kind of news. Just a good person, mainly, that's the main reason. An incredible rugby player that Leinster and Ireland have lost. It's sad news."
Leavy suffered a significant knee injury against Ulster three years ago and although he did stage a comeback last year, and played as recently as last month against Ulster, he has called time on his career on medical advice.
The injury was caused with a side entry at the breakdown and it was put to O'Mahony that, with team-mate Gavin Coombes suffering an ankle injury at the breakdown in Munster's URC loss to Leinster last Saturday, it was a dangerous part of the game.
"I certainly wouldn't be comparing what Gav's issue is with Dan's issue," stressed the Corkman. "You're talking about a different animal there altogether.
"I don't see an issue there. Breakdowns are obviously a contentious issue, but they're the heartbeat of the game.
"From a rugby player's point of view, you'll be picked and dropped on your accuracy and urgency at the breakdown. You have to get there and get your job done, or your coach will have a problem with you.
"Guys are urgently trying to get there, to get people out of the way to get their team quick ball and that's what every player in the whole world is taught to do.
"Sometimes you have to take a shortcut and sometimes you have to find a way to sort it out.
"These things are unfortunate, these things happen in a game that has high level contacts. It wouldn't be an issue from my point of view, I won't speak on behalf of anyone else."
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