By David Hennessy

Bob Casey has announced that he will retire from London Irish at the end of the season and join Powerday plc as a senior business development manager.

“I’m really excited about the new role,” the long serving London Irish lock told the Irish World. “Mick (Crossan, Chairman of Powerday) and myself got chatting and we talked about the role. I know Mick’s company very well, how ambitious they are, how well they’re doing and I’m just delighted to be involved in such a great company with great people.

“Myself, Mick and Powerday have the same values, the same work ethic so I really think it’s a good match, a good fit.”

Was it a difficult decision for Bob to hang up his boots? “No, not at all,” the big man answers without the slightest hesitation. “The way my body was, my body made the decision for me.”

Casey began his career withLeinsterbefore joining theLondonclub in 2002. Just last month, Bob enjoyed a testimonial dinner where he was joined by many friends within the sport, including Irish internationals Brian O’Driscoll, Mick Galwey, Shane Horgan and Shane Byrne.

“It was great,” Bob reflects. “It was a really special night and quite overwhelming. There was a lot of close friends, a lot of family and a lot of people who have supported me over my ten years here inLondon. I’m just glad everyone came out and it sounds like everyone had a cracking night. It was great for me to have that occasion just before making this announcement. The timings have all worked well.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my rugby career both withLeinsterand London Irish and have lots of great memories. I’ve been fortunate to play with many talented players and work with gifted coaches and would like to thank them and the medical staff that have looked after me so well.

“My special thanks must also go to all the supporters, business and individual, of London Irish in particular, for their exceptional welcome and encouragement over the past ten years. While I will miss them on the field, I hope to keep in contact with them in my new role.”

Over the past decade Casey has made 232 appearances for the Exiles scoring six tries. He captained the club between 2007 and 2011, leading the team to a Heineken Cup semi-final withToulousein 2009 and to a Premiership Final with Leicester Tigers in 2010.

The 33-year-old played forIrelandon seven occasions and was part of Warren Gatland’s squad for the 1999 world cup, whenIrelandfinished as runners up in their pool to the Australians before being defeated byArgentina. The inspirational Casey also led Ireland A in the Churchill Cup tournament in the United States in 2009 and the London Irish lock also played for the Barbarians.

Powerday is principal sponsor of London Irish and the company’s allegiance to his club and his sport played a part in the veteran lock’s decision: “I will be moving away from rugby and my main focus will be business development for Powerday but a part of that role will be London Irish on match days and maintaining the London Irish connection.”

Powerday was also proud sponsor of the game betweenEnglandandIrelandlegends at the Stoop on 16 March for the Stuart Mangan Memorial Cup and perhaps we can look forward to seeing Bob take part in next year’s charity game.

“I’ve been to a couple now and I was at the one last week, a lot of my good friends play in it, and I would love to play in it. I’ll have to have knee surgery now when I retire but knee willing, I will be involved in the one next Saint Patrick’s weekend,” he said.

For the full story, please pick up this week's Irish World...

By David Hennessy

Dylan Hartley has received an eight week ban for biting Stephen Ferris' finger during Ireland and England's Six Nations showdown at Twickenham.

This leaves Northampton Saints without Hartley for their season run- in.

"I am disappointed by the result and I will wait for the written judgment as to how the panel came to their conclusion," Hartley said.

"I now have to put it behind me and focus on supporting Saints in training and off the field."

Biting carries a low-end entry point of a 12-week suspension, while the mid-range punishment is 18 weeks and there is a ban of 24-plus weeks at the top end. The maximum sanction is a four-year punishment.

By David Hennessy

Ireland scrum-half Tomas O'Leary has signed a three-year deal with London Irish.

The 28-year-old will join the Exiles in the summer from Munster, where he has won two Heineken Cups and two Magners League titles.

"Joining London Irish presents a new and exciting chapter in my career and one that I am really looking forward to," O'Leary said. "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Munster and the Heineken Cup triumph in 2008 will always remain a highlight."

O'Leary will replace former England scrum-half Paul Hodgson, who will leave London Irish for Worcester at the end of this season.

Capped 24 times, O'Leary was part of Ireland's Grand Slam-winning side in 2009 and he was selected for the British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa only for an ankle injury to rule him out.

He added: "I'm looking forward to working alongside (director of rugby) Brian (Smith) and the coaching team and testing myself in the Aviva Premiership and playing alongside a very talented squad at London Irish.

"I have been lucky enough to be part of some winning teams at both Munster and Ireland and I hope to have even more success as a London Irish player."

Smith said: "Tomas will be a fantastic addition to our squad. He is a proven scrum half who has represented his country at the highest level.

"He will bring with him a wealth of experience and a winning mentality. We look forward to welcoming him to the club this summer."

By David Hennessy

The Ireland international Jerry Flannery has retired after failing to recover from a back problem, the latest in a string of injuries to blight the twilight of the hooker's career.

Flannery made the last of his 41 appearances for Ireland in the group stage of the 2011 World Cup against USA before pulling out of the tournament because of a long-standing calf injury. The 33-year-old front-row then hurt his back on his return to Munster, prompting doctors to advise him to retire.

"I feel incredibly privileged to have played with so many great players with Munster and with Ireland," Flannery said. "To train hard and win trophies for Munster and Ireland alongside some of my best friends has been an amazing experience."

Flannery, whose confrontational style endeared him to Munster and Ireland fans, played a key role in Ireland's grand slam success in the Six Nations in 2009. He also won the Heineken Cup twice with Munster.

Injuries began to take their toll over the last three years, however. In 2009, he was selected for the British and Irish Lions' tour to South Africa but missed out after breaking his elbow. Recurring problems with his calf restricted his appearances in the 2010-11 season and ended his World Cup early in New Zealand.

"Since my injury at the 2011 World Cup I've struggled to regain the level of fitness required to play at this level and after consulting with the medical staff at Munster and at Ireland I am announcing my retirement with immediate effect," Flannery said. "I would like to thank all the medical staff who have worked so hard on my behalf and shown great patience in dealing with me."