Irish rugby league player Sean Gleeson has been forced to retire from the sport at just 26 years of age due to a serious eye injury he received as a result of an attack outside a Wigan night club. Gleeson played as a full-back, centre, and winger for Wigan, Widnes, Wakefield, and Salford Red Devils before transferring to Hull Kingston Rovers at the start of this season.
Gleeson, who represented Ireland at the 2008 Rugby League World Cup was attacked after he got into an argument outside 'Ibiza Bar' on King Street in Wigan back in March. He was taken to hospital for his eye injuries after the three men punched him repeatedly in the face before fleeing the scene. He was then advised by medical experts not to continue his career due to the damage to his eye. His club then released a statement which was reported in the Manchester Evening News which read:
It is with deep sadness and regret that Hull Kingston Rovers can confirm Sean Gleeson has called time on his career with immediate effect. He suffered a serious eye injury earlier this season and has been advised to retire from rugby league at the age of 26 following a meeting with medical experts last week.
The player himself then took to twitter to update his followers and post images of his injuries.
It is with saddened regret that I have made the decision to retire from the great sport of rugby league.
These are the injuries from assault #dogs #ruinedmylife.
Three men were arrested in relation to the assault after a witness appeal was launched, but none have yet been charged. Two men, aged 21 and 24, were released on bail pending further inquiries, and a third man, 28, was released without charge.
via Mirror.co.uk
