Simon Best

Infobox Rugby Union biography
playername = Simon Best


fullname = Simon Best
dateofbirth = birth date and age|1978|2|11
cityofbirth = Craigavon, County Armagh
countryofbirth = Northern Ireland
height = height|ft=6|in=1
weight = 17 st 13 lb (114 kg)
nickname =
school = Portadown College
university = Newcastle University
relatives = Rory Best
position = Prop
currentclub = Ulster
clubnumber = 3
youthyears =
youthclubs =
years = 1999 ‐ 08
clubs = Ulster
caps(points) = 118 (25)
repyears = 2003 ‐ 08
repteam = Ireland
repcaps(points) = 23 (5)
pcupdate =
repupdate =

Simon Best (born 11 February 1978) is a former Irish rugby union footballer. He played for Ulster and was club captain in Ulster's 2005/6 Magners League winning season. Simon missed the final game of Ulster' successful campaign in 2005/6 due to a broken ankle sustained while playing against Llanelli Scarlets in the penultimate game of the season.

Simon is the brother of the Ireland and Ulster hooker Rory Best. He was educated at Portadown College and has also represented Ireland at schools, U19, U21, U25 and A levels. He later studied Agriculture at Newcastle University [ [http://www.ncl.ac.uk/alumni/arches/page.htm?alumvita-simon-best-rugby-hero Arches Online - Alumni - Newcastle University ] ] .

Retirement

On 26 September 2007 Best was rushed to hospital in Bordeaux with a loss of feeling down his side. He was immediately pulled out of the Ireland World Cup side and returned home. On 25th February 2008, Best announced his retirement from Rugby due to an irregular heartbeat. He stated he would no longer be able to sustain the high level of training and playing professional Rugby required.

References

External links

* [http://www.ulsterrugby.com/13_115.php Ulster profile]
* [http://www.irishrugby.ie/226_168.php Ireland profile]
* [http://www.itsrugby.co.uk/joueur_616.html Profile on itsrugby.co.uk]
* [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/irish/7262905.stm Irish prop Best forced to retire]