Munster and Ireland tighthead prop Oli Jager has announced his shock retirement from the game at the age of just 30 following medical advice.
The prop announced the news on Instagram on Saturday afternoon, saying that he was, “advised to medically retire from rugby”.
He added: “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, team-mates, 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 is in store.”
Jager joined Munster in November 2023
Born in London, Jager started out at Naas RFC before playing schools rugby at Newbridge College and Blackrock College.
His journey to the pro game and green of Ireland really was one less travelled.
Having missed out on an academy spot at Leinster, despite representing Ireland under-18 schools side, he headed to New Zealand in 2013 and worked his way through the Canterbury system.
He made his Mitre 10 Cup debut in 2016 and was promoted to the Crusaders’ Super Rugby squad a year later, under the tutelage of Scott Robertson.
Jager’s time with the Crusaders was wildly successful, winning five Super Rugby titles between 2017 and his final campaign in 2023; as well as two Super Rugby Aotearoa titles in 2020 and 2021.
Aged 28, Jager returned to Ireland in November of 2023, signing for Graham Rowntree’s Munster. He made his debut against Glasgow the following month, and went on to play 14 times that season as Munster finished top of the URC table to end the regular season.
In February of 2024, Jager won his only Ireland cap under Andy Farrell, coming off the bench in a 31-7 win over Wales in round three of the Six Nations. He would play for Ireland ‘A’ a year later also.
Jager’s time in Ireland was injury disrupted, playing just eight times in his final season and 35 times in total for Munster.
Oli Jager poses with a fan following their win over the Dragons in January
Munster head coach Clayton McMillan said: “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.
“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.”