Former Munster utility back Johne Murphy has announced his retirement from the game stating that it is simply time 'to call an end to it'.
The Kildare man began his professional career with Leicester Tigers, winning the Premiership three times, before coming home to join Munster in 2010. He signed a one year contract extension in 2014 but, following the end of that deal, he has now decided to call it a day at the age of 30.
Murphy made a total of 91 appearances for Munster as well as a number of appearances for the Wolfhounds and the Emerging Ireland squad. He was also part of the Ireland to face the Barbarians and the NZ Maori in 2010.
In a statement Murphy thanked everyone who had contributed to his career over the past ten years.
I’m grateful for the long and successful career that I’ve had but it is now time to call an end to it. I would like to thank all my mentors, coaches, teammates, the fans who have made my time in the sport so special and most of all my family for all the support they have given me throughout the last 10 years.
Munster and Ireland fans will certainly hope to see him succeed in whatever step he takes next.
