Munster prop Oli Jager has been forced to retire from professional rugby with immediate effect.
In an announcement shared on the club website, Jager said: “It is with a very heavy heart that I share that I have been advised to medically retire from rugby.
“Playing professional rugby for the last 10 years has been nothing short of a privilege.
“I am incredibly grateful to everyone who has been part of my journey — my coaches, teammates, medical and rugby staff, supporters, friends, and family. Each of you has helped shape me not only as a player but as a person.
“While this chapter comes to an end, I look back with immense pride and gratitude for the experiences, memories, and relationships the game has given me.
“Who knows what the next chapter holds, but I’m excited to see what it has in store.”
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A journey from the north to the south, and back
Born in London, Jager started his rugby journey at Naas RFC, before moving to Ireland and playing school rugby at Newbridge College and later Blackrock College.
Appearing for both Ireland U18 Schools and the Netherlands U18s, he then moved to New Zealand to continue his rugby education. He then attended the Crusaders International High Performance Unit in Canterbury, earning a place in the Academy in 2014.
After winning NPC titles in 2016 and 2017, Jager eventually made his Super Rugby debut for the Crusaders in 2017 and became a key member of their squad for seven years, winning a record seven consecutive Super Rugby titles and being selected twice for the All Blacks XV under head coach Clayton McMillan.
Jager joined Munster from the Crusaders in November 2023 and immediately established himself as a vital squad member, making his debut against Glasgow in December 2023 and appearing for Ireland for the first time against Wales in the Six Nations in February 2024.
A popular member
McMillan, who is now Munster’s head coach spoke fondly of his departing man.
“Oli is a hugely respected and popular member of our squad, and he can take great pride in everything he has achieved in the game,” he said.
“I have a lot of admiration for how he earned his stripes as a rugby player, taking a chance as a teenager and moving across the world to New Zealand.
“It’s an amazing story really, how he earned a contract at one of the biggest club sides in the world at Crusaders and played such a key role in their success.
“He has made a big contribution to Munster Rugby as a player and a person, and is extremely highly-regarded by team-mates, staff and supporters alike.
“It’s every player’s dream to represent their country and to have earned a cap with Ireland is something I’m sure he will look back on very fondly.
“I know he will enjoy great success with whatever he chooses to do next in life and we wish him and his family the very best.”
He played his final game for Munster against Ulster at Thomond Park in April.