THREE Ireland legends have announced that they are retiring from international rugby after the Six Nations – Cian Healy, Conor Murray, and Peter O’Mahony.
Leinster hooker Healy and Munster flanker O’Mahony also intend retiring from club rugby at the end of the current season, though Munster scrumhalf Murray will continue playing abroad.
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Murray and O’Mahony after Ireland won the 2024 Six Nations
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Cian Healy surpassed Brian O’Driscoll as Ireland’s most capped male player in November
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Murray is the only one of the three who will play on in the club game beyond this season
The trio have been pivotal to Ireland’s success over the past 15 years with all three having over 100 caps, and Healy having more than anyone with 136 caps.
Healy, 37, made his debut against Australia in Croke Park in 2009 and has remained a fixture in the squad ever since winning five Championships and four Champions Cups.
O’Mahony, 36, will retire after a sterling career havin won 112 caps to date since his debut against Italy 2012 as well as captaining Irealnd to last year’s Championship win.
Murray intends to play on abroad. He’s won 124 caps so far and has been part of five Six Nations winning teams.
IRFU Performance Director David Humphreys said: “It is always a sad time when a player decides to move on.
“But I would like to pay tribute to all three players and thank them for their outstanding contribution to Irish rugby over many years.
“It goes without saying that Peter, Cian and Conor are legends of not just Irish rugby, but Irish sport, and have each made a significant contribution to the success of Irish rugby for more than 15 years.
“There is still so much to play for with Ireland and their provinces and we will mark their careers at an appropriate time in the near future.
“Knowing each of them, their focus will be on finishing the season on a high, but their influence will endure for many years to come.”
Interim Ireland Head Coach Simon Easterby added: “Since joining the Ireland coaching team back in 2014 it has been a privilege to work with Peter, Cian and Conor.
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“They have each played a huge role in the success of Irish rugby over the course of their careers and they continue to inspire their teammates around them.
“Watching how openly they engage with players in their own position and continue to add value around the set-up is testament to their collective character and they are also adding real value on the pitch.
“Knowing each of the guys, they will be focused on achieving even more success this season and we are determined as a group to end their careers with Ireland on a high over these last two rounds.”
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