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27th February 2025
04:08pm GMT
Peter O'Mahony, Cian Healy, and Conor Murray will retire from Ireland duty following the conclusion of the ongoing Six Nations, which ends on March 15.
O'Mahony and Healy will retire from all professional rugby at the end of the current season, while Murray will look for opportunities abroad.
They are three of the greatest players of their era, and would all be strong contenders for an all-time Ireland XV.
Former Ireland and Munster captain O'Mahony, 35, has won 112 caps for Ireland since making his debut against Italy in 2012.
He led Ireland to Six Nations glory in 2024, adding to his four previous Championship titles, including Grand Slams in 2023 and 2018.
Healy, 37, is Ireland's most capped player of all time, with 136, and made his Ireland debut way back in 2009 against Australia.
He is one of Irish rugby's most decorated players with five Six Nations titles, four Heineken/Champions Cups and seven league titles with Leinster, and a European Challenge Cup.
Conor Murray, 35, made his debut against France in 2011, and has gone on to win 124 caps for his county.
All three men remain integral parts of Ireland's match-day 23.
The tributes were led by Ireland head coach Simon Easterby and IRFU Director of Rugby David Humphreys.
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.”
Easterby added: “Since joining the Ireland coaching team back in 2014 it has been a privilege to work with Peter, Cian and Conor. 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.”
Táinaiste Simon Harris also paid his respects, as did Connacht rugby.
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