It was just confirmed by Munster Rugby on Twitter that David Wallace will retire at the end of the season.
It was just confirmed by Munster Rugby on Twitter that David Wallace will retire at the end of the season.
This man above any other deserves a thread of his own rather than getting stuck in the injury updates.
One of my favourite all time players,a pure freak of nature. You will be sadly missed. Sad that you could not make it back from that horrendous injury.
DAVID WALLACE GARRYOWEN,MUNSTER,IRISH+LIONS LEGEND.
Last edited by taz; 3rd-May-2012 at 12:26.
Otaga Daily Times 2/5/2012
Taz-Where did you get that information as I have seen nowhere that he(Penney) was ruled out?
Editor - The writer stands by the Penney information.
Otaga Daily Times 3/5/2012
Editor-- This article originally said Rob Penney had missed out on the Munster coaching job. That information was incorrect.
Munster Rugby @Munsterrugby
David Wallace will announce today his retirement from rugby at the end of the season #SUAF
4 Feb 2011 - Gilmore on the General Election
"Frankfurts way or Labours way."
28 Feb 2012 - Gilmore on a yes vote for the fiscal treaty
"A vote for economic stability and a vote for economic recovery."
Best of luck to him. Owes Munster nothing and will be missed.
4 Feb 2011 - Gilmore on the General Election
"Frankfurts way or Labours way."
28 Feb 2012 - Gilmore on a yes vote for the fiscal treaty
"A vote for economic stability and a vote for economic recovery."
End of an era
Otaga Daily Times 2/5/2012
Taz-Where did you get that information as I have seen nowhere that he(Penney) was ruled out?
Editor - The writer stands by the Penney information.
Otaga Daily Times 3/5/2012
Editor-- This article originally said Rob Penney had missed out on the Munster coaching job. That information was incorrect.
Munster and Irish legend. Dug both sides out of very sticky positions over the years, by making yards where there was none to be made and touching down when he shouldn't have been able to reach the line.
He would have been able to contribute to province and country for a couple of years yet, horrible news.
It's a shame he didn't get to go out on his own terms, and an even bigger shame given the way Deccie was speaking about him just before the World Cup.
One of the best rugby players I've ever seen, without question or qualification. An absolute pleasure to watch.
The very best of luck in the future Wally and thanks for everything.
Governments don't ask themselves "what can we do that is good for the people?". They ask themselves "how do we persuade people that what we want to do is good for them?".
Is there a source for this?
Indeed ,did in a hurry as site kept crashing on me ammended now,Irish+Lions legend to boot!Originally Posted by bugler
Last edited by taz; 3rd-May-2012 at 11:32. Reason: Rushing,site keeps crashing
Otaga Daily Times 2/5/2012
Taz-Where did you get that information as I have seen nowhere that he(Penney) was ruled out?
Editor - The writer stands by the Penney information.
Otaga Daily Times 3/5/2012
Editor-- This article originally said Rob Penney had missed out on the Munster coaching job. That information was incorrect.
"Newmarket hit Clonlara hard in the first ten minutes but doing so to a team like Clonlara is like hitting a bear. Better off to play away and not to antagonise the beast."
Huge player indeed. Thanks for everything Wally! You'll be sadly missed on the pitch. Immense work rates and ball carrying. Helped bring us through a lot of important matches!
I still have that jersey in the photo above. Seems very old now. Only pull it out on special occasions.
Any chance of Mod merging the two threads?
Gutted for Wally that it ends like this. I know he mightn't have had too many miles to go but still it's gutting for him.
Problem for Munster is now we have lost our most important (and effective) ball carrier for the last 12 years. That's a big hole, not to mind missing an openside, to fill.
The Beatings Will Continue Until Morale Improves
http://www.munsterrugby.ie/news/10449.php
David Wallace today became the fourth Munster player this season to announce his retirement from rugby.
On-going medical issues, as a result of a knee injury sustained in the pre world cup against England, means Wallace has not been able to fully recuperate and regrettably has had to make the decision to retire.
The 35 year old wing-forward won the last of his 203 Munster caps in the Heineken Cup quarter final against Ulster last month. He won the first of those caps in the Interprovincial Championship game against Connacht in August 1997 at the Sportsground in Galway and quickly established himself in the first team.
He made his European debut in September 1998, played in all nine Munster games in the run to the 2000 final where he scored the only try of the game, won a runner-up medal in 2002 and winners medals in 2006 and 2008. He won his 200th cap in the Magners Grand Final last year the last of his 86 Heineken Cup caps in that game against Ulster.
He was also named in the ERC European Dream Team - (Best XV of European club competitions covering 1995 - 2010) along with Ronan O'Gara and Anthony Foley, won a Grand Slam with Ireland in 2009 and as a British & Irish Lion (2001 & 2009) became the first set of three brothers to play for the famous touring side.
Comment: "Although it's disappointing that injury is forcing me to retire now, I take great comfort that I've had an unbelieveably enjoyable career and I feel very lucky to have been involved in an era that has seen Munster and Ireland enjoy so much success.
"Professional rugby has exploded in popularity and changed beyond all recognition in this country since I began and I feel honored to have played witness to it's massive improvement..
I'd like to thank anyone who has helped me and had faith in me during my 15 year professional career including family, teammates, coaches, medics, friends and not least supporters.
I will be looking to step away from rugby and explore a few different business opportunities while also looking forward to being able to spend more time with my wife Aileen and sons Andrew and Harvey
Otaga Daily Times 2/5/2012
Taz-Where did you get that information as I have seen nowhere that he(Penney) was ruled out?
Editor - The writer stands by the Penney information.
Otaga Daily Times 3/5/2012
Editor-- This article originally said Rob Penney had missed out on the Munster coaching job. That information was incorrect.
A true legend of a man and will be sorely missed. My favourite player of all time. We'll never see another player made of the same stuff.
Thanks for everything Wally!
A true legend of the game and will be terribly missed by both Ireland and Munster - unreal loss to Munster next year.
I hardly ever log on at work but this is an exception. Very sad that retirement is forced on a player that was at the absolute top of his game when injured. A truly remarkable player, unique in many ways, that leaves a huge hole even though we all knew it had to happen some time. Privilege to have seen him play so many times.
So many memories: lung bursting, leg-pumping runs; stripping possession off opponents while standing; his comeback after shoulder injury in 2004; scoring the 4th try v Sale; the first Munster try scorer in a HEC final; playing as an auxiliary centre v Leinster in 2006; and so on.....
PS - have all three Wallace brothers had to retire prematurely due to injury?
"Playing against ROG, your big game plan is to try and pressure him but he’d dump it off to Wally and next thing you’re five metres behind the gain line because he was an absolute freak." Rory Best, Irish Examiner, May 2012
Absolute legend of the Irish game, he was relentless and the player I feared the most (along with POC) when they played Leinster. I'd say hands down, himself and POC are the two best players that Munster have produced in their glory years. He just didn't seem to get tired/fatigued and would still be making huge carries to the end. Munster have sorely missed him this year. Brilliant player for the national team too, just an incredible athlete. Turned himself into a very good seven too.
Blackwarrior, they all retired due to injury, although David has had a bloody long career considering that he broke through around 1998. I hope they're breeding like mad though. First time since 1991 that a Wallace won't have been involved with the national setup.
That backrow was just a nightmare for opposition teams.
A remarkable talent, ball carrier supreme, he'll be a huge loss.
Sad to hear.
Possibly, Greatest Munster player of the Modern era, and with that, any era....
certainly my favourite player....
Thanks for everything Wally.....
He was as lame as a duck. Not the metaphorical lame duck either, but a real duck that was actually lame. Maybe from stepping on a land mine or something.
What a man best ball carrying forward ive seen scored some important trys and the amount of Mam of The Match awards he's gotten for Munster & Ireland sez enough about him will be sadly missed by all. Leamy could be next??? Think Mr Penneys first job could be to sign one or two IQ loosies tp fill the gap???
What annoys me is that he is gone a little before his time (even allowing for his age) considering that charge that drove him off the pitch v Eng. It was all about missing the world cup, little did we know that it was going to be the end of his career in reality.
Was talking with Frankie Sheehan just before Wally made his comeback from injury, even then Frankie was saying Wally wasn't happy.
In so many ways the biggest boots to fill of the people retiring.
You are a true rugby legend David Wallace admired by your colleagues, fans and supporters throughout the rugby world.
Con Artist
Very disappointing to not see him back after injury. Massive loss to both Munster and Ireland. One of the greatest players the country has ever produced. His leg pumping line breaks were a joy to behold!
Thanks for everything Wally, you will be missed!
There are no stupid questions, just stupid people
Balls.
Thanks for everything, David. Best openside this country has produced.
Bugger, bugger, bugger.
Vorsprung durch Pfennig.
Jaysus Charco what amazing clips, brings it all back. Think this has saddened me more than the departure of any other player
"No one man should have all that power" Great Stuff
Wally....I'm gutted
Con Artist
Ah that is terrible news.
Absolute legend and also my favourite player ever.
Best of luck in what ever you do Wally no doubt we will see you on our TV screens from time to time.
I am one of the 5 clowns woo hoo
After the joy of the news from yesterday. Just like life, the ups and downs and hoping for more ups than downs
Con Artist
Very very sad news. Unfortunately it was always going to happen. I could write about 10 pages about what a great servant he has been etc. But I don't think anyone wants that!
He's one of the main reasons I fell in love with this wonderful game of rugby and everyone in Garryowen, Munster and Ireland owes him an awful lot of gratitude.
Massive thank you Wally, enjoy your retirement and best of luck with everything you persue in life.
Just as soon as a gentle wave of euphoria over took this site (for once) we get kicked straight in the balls a few hours later.
The Beatings Will Continue Until Morale Improves
Super player and will be sorely missed.. He had fantastic ball carrying skills for an irish player..
hope things work well for him he was a joy to watch..
I guess if it wasnt a priority to recruit a top class backrow for next season it certainly is now!!
I've never felt the need or urge to comment on news good or bad before, long time reader etc but the news on Wally this morning made me, a genuine Munster legend and a chap I had the pleasure of meeting on several occasions with work, an absolute gent who will be sorely missed.
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