Terry O'Connor withdraws from
Ireland Squad

Terry O'Connor has today announced that he will not be playing for Ireland in the end of season home nations competition.

O'Connor said,

"I have thought long and hard about matters and as Captain of the side it has been a very difficult decision for me to reach. This has been a long hard season for everybody and at the end of it I will require two minor operations if I am to be ready for the start of next season."

O'Connor continued,

"I was in a similar situation last year but delayed my operation to play for Great Britain against New Zealand. As a consequence I shortened the time for recuperation following the operation and missed the start of Wigan's season. I must give everything I have got to this Wigan side and hopefully reach Old Trafford, I know it means a lot to the Wigan fans and I owe them a lot. To win the Super League Trophy would mean so much and I am going to give it my best shot."

"I wish all the best to the Irish lads with which I have had a great time. Under Steve O'Neil was my most enjoyable time in representative football."