Andrew Trimble, Ulster rugby's most-capped player, has announced his decision to retire from professional rugby at the end of the season.
At 33-years-old, Trimble played 229 time for the province, earning 70 Ireland caps in the process. Released on Ulster's official website, Trimble explained his decision in an open letter.
BREAKING | @andrew_trimble, Ulster’s most capped player of all time, has announced he will retire at the end of this season.
Full details ➡️ https://t.co/wLR7tBB7sv pic.twitter.com/jSAoiFDSjp— Ulster Rugby (@UlsterRugby) May 3, 2018
With a message released on Ulster's website, Trimble stated how "fortunate" he had been "to have realised not one of my dreams but two of them; to play for Ulster and to play for Ireland":
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.
Crediting Ulster will "allowing me the time and space to think things through before making what is probably the toughest decision that any professional sportsman will make," Trimble extended a special thanks to "the loyal and dedicated supporters of this special club."
Having made his international debut in 2005, Trimble was a member of Ireland's 2014 Six Nations winning side.
