| Miller announces retirement from international
rugby  Former
Lions and Ireland player Eric Miller has announced his retirement from
international rugby.
The Leinster flanker, who made an appearance as a replacement for his
team’s heroic 35-23 victory at Bath on Sunday will also retire from
the game at the end of the season.
Thirty-year-old Miller won 48 international caps and played in both the
1999 and 2003 World Cup tournaments.
As the tributes poured in on what has been a distinguished career at club
and international level Ireland coach Eddie O’Sullivan said: “Eric
has been a magnificent servant to both Leinster and Ireland.
“The first year I coached Eric was at under-21 level where he was
hugely influential in Ireland winning its first Triple Crown at that level
in 1996.
“As a testament to his skill and ability at that age, he became
a Lion the following year when he toured South Africa.”
Sadly for Miller a promising career has since been blighted by a succession
of injuries due to his combative style of play.
O’Sullivan said: “In recent years he has been an ever-present
in Irish squads, but has been consistently unlucky with injuries, often
sustained due to the committed nature in which he plays the game. I wish
him every success in his future career plans.”
Leinster chief executive Mick Dawson said: “Eric has been a model
professional throughout his career.
“His departure at the end of this season will leave a big hole in
our squad as players of Eric’s ability are very hard to replace.
I wish him all the best.”
Rugby news and reports, see pages 63 and 64.
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