Tomas O'Leary announces retirement from professional rugby
Former Ireland scrum-half Tomas O'Leary has retired from professional rugby
©PA
Ireland international Tomas O'Leary has announced his decision to retire from professional rugby with immediate effect.
The 33-year-old started his professional rugby debut with Munster and between 2005 and 2012, he made 127 appearances for the Irish regional side. The former scrum-half was also part of the 2006 and 2008 Heineken Cup winning Munster squad.
His second stint with Munster came in 2015-16 and was surrounded by association with London Irish and Montpellier on either side.
O'Leary's debut for Ireland came in 2007 and he was part of the 2009 Grand Slam winning team and later selected for the British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa in the same year, but later withdrew after sustaining a hamstring injury.
Overall, he has featured in 24 Tests with his last appearance coming in March 2012.
"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," said O'Leary.
"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 comradery (sic) is what I will miss the most.
"For this, I would like to thank all of the teammates I have had the pleasure of playing with throughout my career."
