Jamie Heaslip is retiring with immediate effect.
The Leinster and Ireland No 8 has not played since suffering a back injury in March 2017, and says he is retiring with his "future well-being in mind".
A legend hangs up his boots.
Thanks for everything, @jamieheaslip. #ThanksJamie pic.twitter.com/M32DNQ8m2X
— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) February 26, 2018
He retires after 229 appearances for Leinster since 2005, 95 caps for Ireland, and 12 caps for the British & Irish Lions.
Jamie Heaslip. Picture by: Niall Carson/PA Wire/PA Images
In a statement this morning, Jamie said: "I have always said that rugby is just one side to me and that there are other avenues that I am keen to explore and that opportunity has come earlier than I would have liked but I feel that I am in a good place to take that next step."
He added: "To the Leinster, Ireland and Lions supporters. We've enjoyed some incredible highs together, and indeed some lows, but it was an honour to represent you all and I hope that I have left all three jerseys in a better place.”
Thanks for everything pic.twitter.com/cZpK78vzXu
— jamie heaslip (@jamieheaslip) February 26, 2018
Dermot and Dave gave former Leinster and Ireland legend Shane Byrne a call on this morning's show to chat about Jamie's retirement.
You can listen in full here:
Main image ©INPHO/James Crombie