Munster prop Oli Jager retires at 30 with a 'heavy heart'

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

The 30-year-old, who joined Munster from the Crusaders in November 2023 and earned a single Ireland cap against Wales in the 2024 Six Nations, made his final appearance for the province against Ulster at Thomond Park in April.

Jager said the news had been difficult to process.

“It is with a very heavy heart that I share that I have been advised to medically retire from rugby. 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.

“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. Who knows what the next chapter holds, but I’m excited to see what it has in store.”

Munster head coach Clayton McMillan, who had also worked with Jager during his time as All Blacks XV coach, paid tribute to a player he holds in the highest regard.

“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. I have a lot of admiration for how he earned his stripes as a rugby player, taking a chance as a teenager and moving across the world to New Zealand.

“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, and is extremely highly-regarded by team-mates, staff and supporters alike.

“It’s every player’s dream to represent their country and to have earned a cap with Ireland is something I’m sure he will look back on very fondly. I know he will enjoy great success with whatever he chooses to do next in life and we wish him and his family the very best.”

Born in London, Jager came through the ranks at Naas RFC and played schools rugby at Newbridge College and Blackrock College before making the bold decision to relocate to Canterbury at the age of 17.

He progressed through the Crusaders International High Performance Unit and into their academy in 2014, going on to win seven consecutive Super Rugby titles with the franchise and NPC titles with Canterbury in 2016 and 2017.

He also faced the British and Irish Lions for the Provincial Barbarians in 2017.

“Everyone at Munster Rugby wishes Oli and his family all the best for the future,” the statement reads.