Lipman - Gooone.

[eddo]

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-union/union-news/lipman-quits-for-his-health-20120626-210if.html

LIPMAN QUITS FOR HIS HEALTH
Stathi Paxinos June 27, 2012

WORSENING side-effects from concussion have forced gutsy Melbourne Rebels breakaway Michael Lipman to immediately retire because of fears of what his life might become if he suffered one more knock to the head.
Lipman, one of the Rebels' best players in their inaugural season last year, shocked teammates yesterday afternoon with his decision, which has come as a result of lingering side-effects from a concussion earlier this season - the latest of what he estimated to be more than 30 cases throughout his career.
''The bottom line is that throughout my career I've had so many bangs to the head and I've had so much concussion … the last couple have been the icing on the cake,'' Lipman said.
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''I've just had too many. Enough's enough and when you're body's talking to you like it is now, you've got to listen to it and be sensible because the hardest thing in anything really is to admit that your time is up and to come to terms with it.''
The 32-year-old, who yesterday revealed he went against medical advice to retire in 2009 when playing for English club Bath because of concerns about his concussions, said the side effects had become too debilitating for him to play on.
''It [headache] is always there and you can feel the pressure in your head and when you start running and training it makes it a lot worse,'' said Lipman, who was off contract this season.
''You're just very confused really, and you're hazy and you're very clouded and not many things make sense.
''You just become very, very tired. You become exhausted straight away and you feel like going to sleep, when it should really be the opposite, because when you start working and training, the endorphins release and you get a pick-up. You shouldn't get totally down the way I've been.''
The Rebels are expected to make an official announcement on Lipman's retirement this morning.
Lipman was born in London, but grew up in Sydney and made the Australian under-21 team. However, he played 10 Tests for England.
The concussion and a back injury have limited Lipman's playing time this year, but the open-side breakaway will be remembered for his impressive form last season when, along with Gareth Delve and Jarrod Saffy, he formed a formidable back row in a struggling team.
''I'll miss the whole spectacle and running out to thousands of people, and I'll miss playing with my mates, and I'll miss the banter but, most of all, I'll just miss measuring myself against the best players and learning a lot about yourself,'' Lipman said. ''That's the ultimate challenge, but now I've got a new challenge, so I'm to put everything into that.
''I've been very lucky to have the career that I've had. I've travelled around the world and met such a great network of people but, at the end of the day, I'd like to have a healthy life. There is life after rugby. I'm just really looking forward to the next chapter in my life.''
Lipman also said he wanted to speak about the issues and concerns that he has faced with concussion because it could help other players, and not only those in rugby union.
''There are loads of things going on with concussion at the moment, and it is such a huge aspect in rugby as well as AFL, but the side effects are unknown,'' Lipman said.
''Everyone's getting bigger, stronger and faster, [but] the brain's the brain, if you drop a computer that many times eventually it's not going to turn back on.''​

 

[Antony]

Wow. That sucks. I enjoyed watching him play, and he made a huge contribution to the Rebs.

This seems to be an increasing problem at the top level. Between Lipman, Berrick and even Kieran Read (among others), it seems like there are more high profile cases of repeat concussions than there used to be.

Maybe it's time to really look into some kind of super headgear.

 

[Richo]

I'm glad Lipman made a brain-first decision. That takes some guts and must have not been easy.

 

[p.Tah]

Lipman was with the Waratahs for 2 years as a 19/20 year old. Moves to England and plays for England 4 years later. Common theme with young players who join the Tahs. Highlights the lack of development paths for players in Australia.

I wish him well in his retirement.

 

[waratahjesus]

Shame, but good that he made the decision for health over footy.

It might also explain some of his tweets

 

[jermano]

He will be missed at the Rebels. Shame his departure will be overshadowed by other big names leaving.

 

[FiveStarStu]

Most genuine bloke at the Rebels, love him. Hope he sticks around down here.

 

[Dan54]

A big loss to the game, but has made the right decision, hope it goes well for him in future.

 

[Mank]

That must be very hard for the guy, hope he goes on to good things.

It wasn't long ago that I mentioned he'd been hit hard in the jaw :
http://www.greenandgoldrugby.com/co...t-rebels-v-force-57m-12sec.10832/#post-363609

Still wondering if anyone has a clip.

 

[2bluesfan]

I am sorry to hear this. I rated him highly, apart from those times he played against the Waratahs where my detailed analysis has revealed him to be a cheat

Walk tall Michael Lipman, you stand with the best of them.

 

[Tim&Bingo]

Best of luck to ML - he was probably the best 7 ever to wear the Blue Black and White of Bath!

 

[redstragic]

Hopefully this means he has time to contribute more to this site. Love reading his work. Never know, a year off and his health may improve and he can kick on in France or Japan.

 

[yourmatesam]

Lippo is a legend, he's done really well out of rugby and has plenty of contacts in Australia to hang around. I wonder if he'll head back to Sydney now? Walk on Lippo.