Isa Nacewa and Richardt Strauss to retire at end of season

Leinster head coach Leo Cullen has confirmed that club captain Isa Nacewa and hooker Richardt Strauss will retire at the end of the ongoing season.

Nacewa started his professional rugby career with Auckland in the National Provincial Championship in 2003 and later went on to represent Blues in Super Rugby. His switch to Leinster came in 2008 and retired in 2013. After a two-year break, he rejoined the Irish regional club and has amassed over 700 points in the two stints combined.

He also represented Fiji in 2003 World Cup and in 2006 moved to New Zealand in a bid to feature for All Blacks but was denied due to IRB law as he had already represented Fiji in a World Cup. He was also part of the Leinster team that clinched the Heineken Cup during 2009, 2011 and 2012 and now has helped his side book a berth in the ongoing season of European Champions Cup.

Meanwhile, Strauss made his debut for Cheetahs in 2006 and has been with Leinster since 2009. He has played 17 Tests for Ireland with his last appearance at the international level coming in June 2016.

"Warriors on the pitch and wonderful men off it, they are two of the best players to have ever worn the jersey," said Cullen.

"It is hard to articulate the impact that both Isa and Richardt have had on this club since their arrival.

"Their impact on this group of players will be felt for years to come."

Leinster currently hold the top position in Conference B of Pro 14 with 14 wins from 20 games.