Ulster and Ireland prop Declan Fitzpatrick is to retire from rugby on medical grounds . Ulster said that 31-year-old Fitzpatrick had 'experienced a number of concussive episodes ' in recent seasons , and his symptoms were 'progressively slower to resolve ' . Medics at the Guinness PRO12 province referred him to a neurologist , and after tests it was recommended it would be in Fitzpatrick 's long-term interests to stop playing . Ulster and Ireland Declan Fitzpatrick has been forced to retire on medical grounds after multiple concussions . Fitzpatrick won seven caps for Ireland , the last of which was against New Zealand during the 2013 autumn Tests . He also made 98 Ulster appearances . 'While it is not an easy decision to hang up the boots , I can look back with fondness at nine fantastic seasons at Ulster Rugby , ' Fitzpatrick said . 'It was a huge honour to have represented my country and an enormous privilege to pull on that green shirt . ' I want to thank the medical teams at Ulster Rugby and the IRFU ( Irish Rugby Football Union ) for the care that they have given me . 'My symptoms continue to improve , and I know the advice that I received is in the best interests of my long-term health . '
Ulster and Ireland prop FitzpatrickDeclan Fitzpatrick has announced his retirement . The 31-year-old was advised to on medical grounds following ' a number of concussive episodes ' in recent seasons . Medics and the Guinness PRO12 province referred him to a neurologist . Declan Fitzpatrick was capped seven times by his country .