Thank you Isa

[AidanSloan]

Sad to see him go. As I understand it he's putting his health first. Thank you Isa.

Everyone will talk about the try v Leicester but my stand out moment is a tackle he made on Niall O'Connor a few years ago v Ulster. I don't think the poor chap knew where he was for about 3 days

[fourthirtythree]

Thanks Isa! Great player, great guy. Very sad to see you go, hope we see you around these parts again.

[Peg Leg]

Solo try against Leicester, 2 drop goals with a broken arm v Wasps (?). Legend.
We'll miss you Jesus.

[Mickado]

Íosa styled Tifo for the south stand on Friday lads yeah.

[jezzer]

I heard about this too but I just assumed it would never happen, with all the upheaval going on.

So, I'm gutted.

Consummate team player, didn't complain when he was constantly played out of position. He showed a whole generation of Leinster kids what an attacking fullback looks like and how to behave as a player. Managed some outrageous skill in the heat of battle.

Gone, but never forgotten. Joins Ollie, Davy Holwell and Felipe in the Pantheon of overseas Leinster Legends (no disrespect to Whits, Rocky et al) .

[Edna Kenny]

Thanks for all the memories Isa, an absolute legend. When he was put at full back against Munster he lit up the team. I think he even kicked a drop goal with a broken arm against the Ospreys in 2008. An absolute hero. Best of luck in the future.

[cormac]

End of an era. Thanks for everything Isa, it's been a pleasure watching you play.

That'll be eight of the starting line-up from the 2009 Final gone by the end of the season (Banjo, Stan, Mal, Rocky, Whits, Johnny, Shaggy and now Isa). Cullen, BOD and Darce not far from retirement and Luke almost constantly injured.

[blockhead]

Heino Final-Murrayfield: Last few minutes, a box kick from Leicester drops on their 10m line, Isa has to dive forward onto it only to be engulfed by a bunch of players in green and blue. The commentator says Isa dived on the ball like it was the trophy itself. We retained possession and used up more precious seconds.
It's those moments as much as the try two years later in the QF that mark out the man. I don't want to use the word legend, it's been overused by the turnips to the point of parody but he will never be forgotten by Leinster fans.

[OTT]

Solid, reliable and Spectacular!

Oozed class on and off the pitch.

Thanks Isa

[LeinsterLeader]

absolutely gutted! An honour to watch him play. For a while there was probably the best full back in world rugby. And a really top guy to boot. Will be missed but never forgotten.

I think this makes the Andrew Conway move even stranger.

Fingers crossed for some good news soon! I think we could all use it.

[tate]

Very sad news from a Leinster perspective but thanks for the memories Isa. One of the most gifted and committed players to play in blue and definitely one of the best signings we ever made.

[limecat]

[IanD]

http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/provincia ... on-career/

Grasping at straws but it says it is reported - No confirmation.

[Mexicola]

My favourite player of the last 5 years, absolutely gutted about this.

Wish him all the best.

[Beanbag]

Gutted! I had heard it was on the cards but didn't want to believe it. It's been a privilege to be able to watch this great man play. Good luck Isa with everything you and your family do going forward. Thanks for all the memories but just before you go help us lift the Amlin and the Pro12!!
ISA ISA ISA

[ronk]

Ah the memories. I hadn't noticed it before btw but in the build up sequence when McLaughlin turns over the lineout, Hines lifts McLaughlin and catches the loose ball too before immediately spinning to get the ball wide (to O'Brien already getting into position to act as link).

[tate]

http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/provincia ... on-career/

Grasping at straws but it says it is reported - No confirmation.

confirmed by Leinster Rugby
http://www.leinsterrugby.ie/mobile/news/9488.php

[IanD]

http://www.rte.ie/sport/rugby/provincia ... on-career/

Grasping at straws but it says it is reported - No confirmation.

confirmed by Leinster Rugby
http://www.leinsterrugby.ie/mobile/news/9488.php

Straws all gone. Gutted.

Will leave a huge hole in the team/squad.

Wishing Isa and Family all the best for the future.

[Logorrhea]

Getting a bit hacked off with this flow of bad-news.

Hes retiring due to family reasons? Strange, but he knows whats best for him and his family.

I have always regretted not writing a letter to Hitchens before he died, just to thank him personally for what he did. I think this is one I WILL write. Sometimes its just worth the effort.

Favorite moments were his break for Darcy's try in Croker (most important), and his hit on Chabal at home.

[The Doc]

He is one of the players I will look back and say "I was lucky enough to see him play" - an honour to have him in our team and nothing but great memories of watching him play. Never gave less than full commitment.

Be well, good health and enjoy the time with the family.

(A couple more trophies before he finishes up would be nice - just to round off the collection )