Irish Rugby : Provincial Rugby : News : Cruciate Ligament Woe For Wallace

IRFU Chief Executive Philip Browne has issued a statement following confirmation of Ronan O'Gara's decision to retire from playing professional rugby.

Ronan O'Gara's retirement from professional rugby brings to an end an achievement-packed career that saw him dominate matches in Ireland and around the world in the colours of Cork Constitution, Munster, Ireland and the British & Irish Lions.

IRFU provincial and national age grade coaches - Under-18s, Under-19s and Under-20s - and IRFU elite player development staff from the four provinces gathered recently to review their experiences, discuss challenges and align closer to ensure the development of more effective elite players across the IRFU Elite Player Pathway.

Playing at out-half, Paddy Wallace had to be replaced just nine minutes into the second half of Ulster's 20-14 defeat at Scotstoun Stadium.

He sustained the injury to his left knee and following a scan yesterday evening, it was confirmed that he has suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.

With the Ireland international adding to the province's growing injury list, he will require surgery and a significant period of rehabilitation.

Wallace was ever-present during Ulster's successful run through the Heineken Cup pool stages, and will be a notable absentee when they tackle Saracens in their quarter-final clash at Twickenham on Saturday, April 6.

Luke Marshall replaced Wallace during three of Ulster's Pool 4 matches this season. The new Ireland cap is expected to deputise for the injured 33-year-old in the province's number 12 shirt.