Munster prop Oli Jager forced to retire at 30 on medical grounds after single Ireland cap

Oli Jager, the Munster and Ireland tighthead prop, has been forced to retire from professional rugby on medical grounds at the age of 30, the province confirmed on Saturday.

Jager joined Munster from the Crusaders in November 2023 and earned a single Ireland cap against Wales during the 2024 Six Nations. His final appearance for the province came against Ulster at Thomond Park in April.

“It is with a very heavy heart that I share that I have been advised to medically retire from rugby,” Jager said in a statement. “Playing professional rugby for the last 10 years has been nothing short of a privilege. I am incredibly grateful to everyone who has been part of my journey — my coaches, teammates, medical and rugby staff, supporters, friends, and family. Each of you has helped shape me not only as a player, but as a person.”

Munster head coach Clayton McMillan, who also worked with Jager during his time as All Blacks XV coach, paid tribute to the prop’s remarkable journey through the game.

“Oli is a hugely respected and popular member of our squad and he can take great pride in everything he has achieved in the game,” McMillan said. “It’s an amazing story really, how he earned a contract at one of the biggest club sides in the world at Crusaders and played such a key role in their success. He has made a big contribution to Munster Rugby as a player and a person.”

Born in London, Jager came through the ranks at Naas RFC and played schools rugby at Newbridge College and Blackrock College before relocating to Canterbury at the age of 17. He progressed through the Crusaders’ academy system from 2014, going on to win seven consecutive Super Rugby titles with the franchise, as well as NPC titles with Canterbury in 2016 and 2017. He also faced the British and Irish Lions for the Provincial Barbarians in 2017.

“While this chapter comes to an end, I look back with immense pride and gratitude for the experiences, memories, and relationships the game has given me,” Jager added. “Who knows what the next chapter holds, but I’m excited to see what it has in store.”