Life after rugby - Ulster's record-breaker Andrew Trimble says 'health comes first'
Province's most capped player speaks of relief at not picking up serious injury
Ulster rugby’s most capped player has spoken of his relief that he was able to retire without suffering any serious injury.
In an interview with Downtown & Cool FM, Andrew Trimble, said: “We all love the game, we all love the collisions, the rough and the tumble but what we love more than that is having our health and just making sure we are not suffering any head injuries and bringing that into life after rugby.”
Trimble spent 13 years with the Province in a career that saw him win 70 Irish caps.
He played 229 times for Ulster scoring a record 77 tries.
The 33-year-old, who made his debut in 2005, says he is now focusing on a career in punditry.
Trimble believes rugby players do not get paid well enough to risk their long-term physical health.
“You are playing for a job – that is an awful position to find yourself – I do not think we get paid enough,” he said.
“You’re going into battle every week – that’s in my head that we are not paid enough.”
Trimble was speaking to us as a recent SportNI event about concussion.
He said he was glad the sport was becoming more aware about the severity of head injuries.
His former teammate Jared Payne was recently forced to retire after suffering from recurring headaches.
Trimble added: "I remember seeing him after training, a good bit after his last competitive game. We were playing touch rugby, no collisions and no contact, but he rushed off after the session.
""He was grimacing a bit getting into his car. That's no way to get on. We love the sport but we don't love it that much."