Andrew Trimble to retire at end of season

Ireland international Andrew Trimble has announced that he will retire from professional rugby at the end of season.

The 33-year-old joined Ulster in 2005 and has racked over 200 appearances for them since then. He is also the most capped player for the club and was named Ulster's Rugby Player of the Year in 2006.

“I know that I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have realised not one of my dreams, but two of them; to play for Ulster and to play for Ireland,” he said.

“These have been some of the most fulfilling days of my life and I feel nothing but gratitude for them.

“But there’s no way of stopping time – and I see that each day in the lives of my two young children, who are now close to beating me over five metres.

“So I wanted to let you know that this will be my last season playing professional rugby. I want to thank the club for allowing me the time and space to think things through before making what is probably the toughest decision that any professional sportsman will make.

“Most of all, I want to thank you – the loyal and dedicated supporters of this special club. I know that nothing will come close to the experience of taking the field and hearing you raise your voices in support of the team.

“You stood up for me; I only hope that I stood up for you.”

Trimble has played 70 Tests for Ireland since his debut in November 2005 and has been part of the 2007 and 2011 World Cup squads.