Brennan retires days before disciplinary hearing for attacking fan

Toulouse lock Trevor Brennan has retired from rugby, just days before his disciplinary hearing for hitting a rival team's supporter.

Photo: Brennan retires days before disciplinary hearing for attacking fan

"I had decided at the beginning of this season that I would retire at the end of the current French championship," Brennan said Tuesday. "However, as a result of recent matters, I've had to review that position."

The former Ireland forward climbed into the stands and punched a fan Patrick Bamford during Toulouse's 28-13 win over Ulster in the Heineken Cup on Jan. 21. Brennan later apologized but said he was provoked by a group of Ulster fans.

Brennan tried to have the European Rugby Cup hearing adjourned pending a separate civil case brought by Bamford but the appeal was turned down. The hearing in Dublin is scheduled for Friday and will go ahead.

"I had sought an adjournment of the ERC disciplinary hearing on the grounds that it interfered with my right to silence in other proceedings, but this has been refused," Brennan said, reports AP.

"I am therefore announcing my immediate retirement from rugby," Brennan said. "I would like to thank everyboy who has helped me throughout these years."