Joy Neville Announces Retirement

Former Munster captain and Ireland No 8 Joy Neville has announced her retirement following a successful ten year rugby career.

As a key member of Munster’s recent Interprovincial win claiming six trophies in the past seven years, Neville has also won 70 caps for her country and played an integral part in Ireland’s historic grand slam win this year.

Neville has not only influenced the game on the pitch but also serves as the Rugby Officer at Limerick Institute of Technology where she spends her time encouraging students to participate in the sport and uses her expertise to develop the game at all levels within the college.

A member of UL Bohemian RFC, Neville will be sorely missed by all her club teammates but takes with her great memories from an illustrious rugby career representing her club in the women's 1st division, province and country.

"I announce my retirement from a sport that has given me endless challenges, great entertainment and amazing achievements – none more memorable than our Grand Slam victory which was 11 years in the making.

"Throughout my years involved with the Irish team I can categorically state that I would not have had dedicated the last decade of my life to this sport if it were not for those whom I had the pleasure to play alongside.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone and most importantly past players who laid the foundation. All who fought for the Women's team through thick and thin which provided us with our strong platform that we have attained.

"I would also like to thank the current squad who I have shared so many emotions with, all the management, medical staff, my wonderful family who were always there to support me both on and off the pitch, my friends who always understood when I could not celebrate their big moments, our wonderful supporters who always stuck in there with the Irish team through good times and hard."

Ireland Women's head coach Philip Doyle paid tribute to Joy on her retirement, saying: "Joy is an exceptional rugby player and her talent and ability had a huge impact on every game. Her selfless playing style was always for the good of the team. She has left a lasting impression not only to the squad but on Women's rugby in general. "She will be sorely missed and we wish her all the best in her career as coach and an incredible ambassador for the sport."

Neville now looks to continue with her involvement in the sport and is confident women’s rugby will continue to grow from strength to strength “I hope to look back in 10 years time and see a vibrant and healthy Women's rugby scene, with the ultimate aim of witnessing Irish Women's rugby becoming professional."