Leinster vs Edinburgh

Lindsay Peat Announces
International Retirement
Lindsay Peat has
announced her
retirement from
international rugby,
bringing the curtain
down on a stellar
and inspirational
career in green. Peat
made her Ireland
debut in 2015 and
went on to win 38
Test caps, her final
appearance coming in
the autumn Test win
over the USA at the
RDS last November.
Peat was a driving force both
on and off the pitch during her
six-year international career,
inspiring a new generation of
players through her performances
and passion for the sport and
green jersey. Although she
has now called time on her
international rugby career, Peat
is not hanging up her boots
completely and will continue
to play in the Energia Women’s
All-Ireland League with Railway
Union.
Commenting on her retirement, Peat said:
“To write a statement or to not has been
a question on my mind but today it feels
right to simply say thank you.
“I always dreamed of becoming a
professional athlete, a sportsperson,
and I have on the greatest level possible
fulfilled that dream. I still feel the need to
pinch myself to believe it.
“The last six years have given me the
chance to sing my beloved ‘Amhrán na
bhFiann’, to sing ‘Ireland’s Call’, to meet
the President of Ireland, to play in a home
World Cup.
24 | www.leinsterrugby.ie
“In 38 appearances I have scored tries
for my country and given away a few
too! I have laughed. I have cried. I really
did go out and ‘break a leg’!
“I want to take this opportunity to give a
special thank you to everyone who has
played an integral part in my journey
over the last six years.
“To the IRFU and all the staff at No
10/12, to the HPC, coaching and
management teams, medical staff, S&C
coaches, nutritionists, game officials,
sponsors and Rugby Players Ireland. To
my opponents, my team-mates, my club
Railway Union – thank you.
“To the supporters, especially family and
friends, who have supported me and us
as a team. You have all been immense
in helping us to build a world for female
sports, in helping it thrive and continuing
to push it to where it needs to be. You see
the potential – thank you.
“A special mention to the aspiring young
girls who come and support us: you are
our motivation and inspiration to be better
and to keep going, even when times are
tough – thank you.
“Finally, to the foundations and the
people who have loved me, supported
me, believed in me, gave me so many
tools of pride, passion, hard work,
humility and never-say-die attitude – my
family and extended family. I owe you
the biggest thank you of all because
I couldn’t have gone on this journey
without you. Your support has been
relentless and tireless, and I am eternally
grateful. Each of you have motivated me
to be the very best version of myself on
and off the pitch – thank you!
“I am filled with many emotions as I
confirm my retirement from international
rugby. I am both hugely proud and sad
and in equal measure, but ultimately I
have an overriding sense of excitement
for what the future holds.”