Paul O'Connell to retire from international rugby after World Cup

Ireland captain Paul O’Connell has announced that he will retire from international rugby after the World Cup.

The second row is to be given an early release from his contract with Ireland and Munster, which originally ran until June 2016.

One of Ireland’s greatest players of all time, the 35-year-old O’Connell made his debut in 2002 and has won 101 caps, winning the Grand Slam in 2009 and the Six Nations title in 2014 and 2015.

He has played in seven Lions Tests as well and captained the squad who toured South Africa in 2009.

O’Connell has also enjoyed a superb career with Munster, winning the European Cup in 2006 and 2008.

After the World Cup I would like to experience new environments, and it is my genuine hope and ambition that I will have some future involvement with Munster and Irish Rugby.

O’Connell said: “I would like to thank Munster Rugby and the IRFU for releasing me from my contract at the end of the Rugby World Cup.

"I have been hugely fortunate to play with one of the greatest sporting organisations in the world - and as a proud Limerick, Munster and Irishman, I will forever treasure my association with Munster Rugby.

"After the World Cup I would like to experience new environments, and it is my genuine hope and ambition that I will have some future involvement with Munster and Irish Rugby.

"I would also like to thank all Munster and Irish Rugby fans for their support and I look forward to them showing why they are regarded as the best supporters in world rugby, as Ireland travel to the Rugby World Cup in England in September."

O'Connell has been heavily linked with a move to current European champions Toulon.

Philip Browne, the IRFU CEO, said: "Paul has been a fantastic servant to Irish Rugby. Over the course of his 101 Ireland caps to date he has set the standard for the model Irish professional. 

"His contribution is immeasurable in terms of not only driving success on the field but also raising the profile of Irish Rugby around the world." 

And Garrett Fitzgerald, Munster Rugby CEO, added: "In wishing Paul all the best for the future I would like to acknowledge the outstanding role he has played within Munster Rugby.

"Over a 14 year career with the province, Paul has epitomised what it means to wear the red jersey, and through his own hard-work, commitment and leadership he has become an iconic figure in world rugby.

"A truly great ambassador for the province, he has been the standard-bearer of this team for over a decade and everyone around him has reaped the benefits of his professionalism and dedication."

"We would like to think this is not the final chapter in Paul's Munster story, and we would welcome future opportunities to work with him again."