Connacht Rugby have announced that Nathan White is to retire from professional rugby based on medical advice following a concussion injury.
White played in 58 games over four seasons with Connacht before he was injured in the March win against Leinster at the Sportsground.
White, who informed his Connacht team mates of his retirement this week, said
“While it’s disappointing to finish up this way and not on my own terms, I feel that I can look back at my rugby career with a lot of pride. I am retiring at 35 years of age and with so many great memories from my time playing in both New Zealand and Ireland.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time playing for Connacht Rugby and I’d like to thank everyone there who welcomed us from day one – all the staff, management team, the supporters, volunteers and of course my team mates. Connacht is a unique place and I’m proud to say I was part of it all at such a special time for the club.
The news comes as a further blow to a Connacht squad which has experienced a raft of injuries in recent weeks.
Andrew Browne sustained a thigh injury in training and is awaiting the results of a scan to determine the extent of the injury. Eoin Griffin sustained a minor hamstring injury in the Scarlets game and will be further assessed by the medical team.
There was some positive news however head of Friday’s Guinness PRO12 game at home to Edinburgh. Danie Poolman and Peter Robb have both been cleared to resume full training and are available for selection.
It was announced earlier this week that 28-year-old Irish qualified lock James Cannon has signed from Wasps. 6ft 8ins Cannon, who played 93 games in six seasons, has been included in Connacht Rugby’s European Champions Cup squad that was registered last week. It is not yet know what impact his signing will have on the progress of Roscommon’s Danny Qualter.
Friday’s game in the Sportsground Kicks off at 7:35pm.