17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Dancing with the Stars contestant announces rugby retirement after 10 years
Rugby star Jordan Conroy has said he didn't think it would be "so difficult" retiring from the sport.
The Rugby Sevens star announced he will hang up his boots after 10 years playing with Ireland.
In an emotional statement on Instagram, the 31-year-old admitted to it having been a difficult decision to make.
The Tullamore native said: "I didn't think it would be this difficult writing this, saying goodbye to something that's been apart of your life the last 10 years.
"Trying to put everything into words is quite impossible or not shedding a tear while writing this."
Conroy first started playing rugby when he was 18 and played 15s with Tullamore and Buccaneers.
He made his Ireland Sevens debut in 2016 and was the highest try scorer at the 2020 World Series as the Boys in Green qualified for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
He has played 171 World Series games for his country, scoring 123 tries in that time.
Conroy, who also took part in RTE's Dancing with the Stars, added: "First of all I'd like to thank my I've known from the beginning of when I started this, to those who I met along the way.
"Thank you for allowing me to share this journey with you, the good times and the bad times." SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 29: Jordan Conroy of Ireland scores a try during the 2023 Sydney Sevens match between Ireland and Great Britain at Allianz Stadium on January 29, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by)
He said "we were more than just a team".
"We were more than just a team, we were a bunch of lads who believed in each other when others laughed at us.
"To you I give thanks and I am honoured to have shared this journey with you.
"To the special people who I've met around the world who stuck with me since the very beginning and saw something in me to @padinphx@therealdenimdan@trevorleander_trev@meenu___apr@clorabella@kobay_okeeffe@lalainejoyce thank you for your kindness your blessings.
"It makes me sad that I might not meet some of you ever again, but that's okay because we can cherish the memories we had.
"Finally to myself for believing in me for braving the toughest storms that this sport has thrown at me but also taught me so many things.
"I wouldn't be the Jordan I am today if it wasn't for this sport.
"I now officially announce my retirement from professional Rugby 7s it's been on heck of a ride folks.
"Peace and Love," he added.
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