Fans & Players Show Appreciation For ‘Varls’

Following the announcement of his retirement from rugby due to injury yesterday, fans, friends and players have taken to social media in their droves to show their appreciation and extend best wishes to the Killaloe-man who made 121 appearances for the province.

The online reaction is testament to both the man and his skills as a rugby player which also saw him captain the province on 8 occasions last season – including the Heineken Cup semi-final against Toulon – and win 3 caps for Ireland, the last of which came against Argentina in the Summer Tour of last year.

While news of Damien’s retirement was breaking across all media channels yesterday, the 31 year old spoke with journalists about the announcement at a post-training media conference.

"It's a bit of an emotional rollercoaster today. Unfortunately it happens in this game, I am not the first and I probably won't be the last unfortunately.

"The decision was made for me by the surgeon so in one sense it's easier because you are not fighting against yourself trying to come back and continue rehab for months and months on end and having to make the decision yourself. So in one sense it was easier having been told what the best thing for you is."

While reflecting on some of his favourite memories in the red of Munster, Damien said,

"There are so many. Winning the Magners League was a big thing for us and playing Australia, but being part of the collective group and not just from a rugby point of view, the players, coaches, people I have worked with, it's definitely the people rather than any victory.

"It's very hard to pinpoint one thing. It has certainly been an emotional journey and one I will look back on fondness."

The Clare-man eloquently concluded the interview by saying,

“I won’t find it hard to be a supporter but I’ll definitely find it hard to be a spectator. Munster will always have my full support.”

Below is just a sample of the gratitude shown for ‘Varls’ on social media yesterday from fans, players, past players and acquaintances.

Sad day for @Munsterrugby with the premature retirement of @VarleyDamien. Excellent rugby player and a great man #TheKingOfPickAndGo

— Jerry Flannery (@jerryflannery) February 17, 2015

@ballsdotie what a hero Varley remains. He did the @Munsterrugby Q&A with great humour within a few hours of hearing that devastating news.

— Ruth (@ruthmkirby) February 18, 2015

@VarleyDamien very sorry to hear about the retirement pal, was great competing alongside you @Munsterrugby #munster pic.twitter.com/cnI9S2wL40

— Denis Fogarty (@denisfogs) February 17, 2015

Damien Varley, @varleydamien is now trending in Ireland http://t.co/lnn4sEU0a6

— Trendsmap Ireland (@TrendsIreland) February 17, 2015

One of the best hookers I have had the privilege to play alongside,thanks for all the memories brother @VarleyDamien pic.twitter.com/dxI9QeRHlk

— BJ Botha (@BJBotha) February 17, 2015

We wish @VarleyDamien the very best. Always a grafter and absolute gent. We are proud to count him as a Munchins man. @StMunchinsSport

— St Munchin's College (@stmunchins) February 17, 2015

Sad for @VarleyDamien , forced to retire through injury. Never easy when the decision is taken away from you, but welcome to the 16th man!

— Rob Henderson (@robhendo13) February 17, 2015

Sad news on @VarleyDamien this sport can be tough at times. Best wishes for the future from all in @Midleton_RFC . @Munsterrugby

— Midleton RFC (@Midleton_RFC) February 18, 2015

@VarleyDamien sad to hear about the retirement was an absolute pleasure playing alongside you in the red jersey! pic.twitter.com/gUmNiQLIPA

— Wian du Preez (@wiandup1) February 17, 2015

@Munsterrugby devastating news, thanks for everything @VarleyDamien . The sun will come up tomorrow and new opportunities, always #SUAF

— Rob (@Bish54) February 17, 2015

Click here to read yesterday's retirement announcement.