Isa Nacewa to leave Leinster at end of season

Isa Nacewa

Leinster have announced that Isa Nacewa will leave the province at the end of the season and retire from professional rugby due to family reasons.

The 30-year-old joined Leinster in the summer of 2008 and has played a pivotal role in the province's three Heineken Cup successes.

The Aucklander has played 116 times for Leinster to date and has accumulated 375 points in all competitions.

Nacewa was shortlisted for ERC European Player of the Year in 2011.

He also collected a number of personal accolades during his five-year stay in Ireland.

Commenting on the news, Leinster coach Joe Schmidt said: "I've known Isa for a number of years. He's universally respected due to the quality of his character, his athleticism, skill and commitment.

"He has been great value for us, not just on the field where he has provided a string of highlights but off the field also, where he has contributed enormously to the development of the players around him."

"He's hugely popular amongst supporters and hopefully they will enjoy a few more outstanding performances from Isa in the coming weeks."

Leinster expect to announce news of a new signing in the coming weeks.