Hefin O'Hare stuns Glasgow Warriors by quitting rugby

May 26 2011 Gordon Parks

O'Hare stuns Warriors by quitting

Glasgow Warriors centre Hefin O'Hare has stunned the club by quitting the professional game to pursue a career as a chartered surveyor.

But after being one of the most popular performers at Firhill for the past six years, the 31-year-old admits it's going to be a wrench to walk away.

O'Hare has been part of the Warriors squad since 2005, has made 95 Magners League appearances for the club plus a further 31 in Europe.

His combined try tally between the Celtic competition, the Heineken Cup and the Amlin Challenge Cup sits at 20, including a four-score burst in seven appearances in the latter competition in season 2006-07.

O'Hare's ability and attitude saw him win regular selection for the Scotland 7s team, most notably at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi last October.

He was included in the Scotland A side for the February 2011 match against Ireland Wolfhounds at Netherdale, scoring a debut try in a 32-13 win.

Despite his affection for the Warriors, O'Hare insists it's time to move on.

He said: "I've been fortunate to call myself a Glasgow player for six years and I take a lot of pride from having been associated with a great club like this.

"I've had the pleasure of playing with some exceptional talents, learning from knowledgeable coaches, and working with a variety of hugely committed and talented people behind the scenes at Scotstoun and Firhill.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed my career with Glasgow Warriors but feel the time is right to take a step back and move onto something different in my life.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge of doing something new and I'm delighted to still be based in Glasgow. It's a great city to live in and I'm looking forward to still being around the rugby community.

"I'd like to thank each and every one of the Warriors supporters who have given myself and the team such great backing over the years and I know the squad and staff are absolutely committed to making sure they continue to have a team to be proud of going forward."

Warriors head coach Sean Lineen paid tribute to a player he holds in the highest regard and admits he'll be sorely missed by everyone at the club.

He said: "He's has been the heart and soul of the Glasgow team. Every time he turns up to train or play, he's been full on, and he's got a great physicality to his game.

"To have a man like that who expected high standards was fantastic for the club and we'll miss him around the place."

Meanwhile, Warriors have strengthened their squad for next season by signing Ayr loosehead prop Gordon Reid.

The 24-year-old trained with the club during the campaign just ended and made his Magners League debut when he came off the bench against Ospreys on March 5. Lineen added: "We've had a good chance to get to know Gordon when he's been training with us.

"There's no doubt that the necessary ability and desire are there for him to progress."