Tomas O'Leary announces retirement

Former Ireland scrum-half Tomas O’Leary has announced his retirement from professional rugby.

The 2009 Grand Slam winner, who represented his country 24 times, also won two Heineken Cups with Munster in 2006 and 2008.

The 33-year-old finished his career with Montpellier in France following eight years with Munster in two separate spells, and three years with London Irish.

"I have had an incredible career from my academy days in Munster to my last game in Montpellier, all of which have been extremely satisfying," O'Leary wrote on the Navy Blue blog.

“I have realised my ambition of representing Munster and Ireland.

"Wearing the red and green jerseys has been a real honour.

"Highlights that stand out are the two Heineken Cup victories with Munster and winning the Grand Slam in 2009 with Ireland.

"However, the most fulfilling experience is the unique bond and friendships I experienced through rugby. This camaraderie is what I will miss the most."

O'Leary, who won an All-Ireland minor hurling medal with Cork in 2001, missed out on the 2009 British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa with a broken ankle.

The Cork native admits his form never hit the high standards of 2009 again, but says the three years at London Irish between 2012 and 2015 helped him develop as a person.

"There's no hiding away from the fact that my rugby never reached the same heights again," he continued.

"At the time Munster and Leinster were at the peak of their powers so it was a very intense period.

"You couldn't get away from it and it was frustrating because I wasn't playing as often as I would have liked. I needed to get out of that bubble.

"While leaving Munster might not have been a positive in rugby terms, certainly moving to London Irish opened my eyes because I was that bit more anonymous and it gave me the chance to think about and experience things other than rugby.

"I would implore the younger lads in the game to make the most of their opportunities provided to them by the game.

"In fact, I would say that my life both on and off the field has been much more enjoyable as a result!"

Image Inpho/ Morgan Treacy

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