Exeter Chiefs player Rory O’Loughlin, esteemed for his versatility on the field, has recently announced his retirement from professional rugby at the tender age of 30. This decision has taken many by surprise, given that O’Loughlin had only joined the Chiefs last season. Regrettably, a severe shoulder injury sustained early in the season has led to this premature retirement, despite his determined efforts to recover and resume playing.
O’Loughlin, who has demonstrated prowess as a centre and full back, made the transition to the Chiefs from United Rugby Championship side Leinster at the commencement of the 2022/23 season. He accumulated a total of 24 appearances for the Chiefs and notably represented Ireland in 2017 during a match against Japan.
In a poignant statement, O’Loughlin conveyed his gratitude for the opportunities afforded to him in his rugby career. He expressed the value he placed on the friendships forged with his teammates and the warm reception that he and his family received from the people of Exeter. Despite the abrupt conclusion to his time on the field, O’Loughlin looks forward to extending his support for the Chiefs as a devoted fan.
This announcement serves as a poignant reminder of the physical toll that rugby can exact upon its players. Merely last season, another Chiefs player, Stuart Hogg, also retired at the age of 30. O’Loughlin’s departure, coupled with the forthcoming exit of England international Ollie Devoto, creates a void in the Chiefs’ midfield for the 2024/25 season. Consequently, Exeter’s director of rugby, Rob Baxter, will be actively seeking new talent to fortify the team, particularly following the unsuccessful pursuit of Wallabies international Hunter Paisami.
While it is undoubtedly a loss for the Chiefs to bid adieu to a gifted player like O’Loughlin, the focus now shifts to the future and the opportunities that await both the team and the retiring player.