The IRFU have confirmed that Paul O’Connell will retire from international rugby and leave Munster at the end of the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
In a statement this afternoon, they said they had agreed to a request from O’Connell to be released from his current contract after the tournament.
He had been contracted to the IRFU and Munster until June 2016, but will now leave once Ireland's participation in the World Cup is completed.
The statement said they had “acceded to the request given Paul's exceptional contribution to the sport”.
IRFU confirm @Paul_OConnell release from contract after RWC http://t.co/jFWEnznQ7A pic.twitter.com/7N8V5kPSN1
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) June 2, 2015
The Limerick man made his senior Munster debut in August 2001 away to Edinburgh and has represented the province on 178 occasions. With Munster, he has won two European Cups, in 2006 and 2008, and three League titles.
O'Connell made his Ireland debut against Wales in February 2002 and has won 101 caps for his country. With Ireland, he has won a Grand Slam in 2009, led his country to back-to-back RBS Six Nations championship titles, in 2014 and 2015, and claimed four Triple Crowns.
O’Connell Departure Confirmed. Full story here: http://t.co/ZLGQDqV4i8#ThanksPaulie pic.twitter.com/7tD4FocLmU
— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) June 2, 2015
"I have been hugely fortunate to play with one of the greatest sporting organisations in the world and as a proud Limerick, Munster and Irishman, I will forever treasure my association with Munster Rugby,” O’Connell said.
“After the World Cup I would like to experience new environments, and it is my genuine hope and ambition that I will have some future involvement with Munster and Irish Rugby."
"I would also like to thank all Munster and Irish Rugby fans for their support and I look forward to them showing why they are regarded as the best supporters in world rugby as Ireland travel to the Rugby World Cup in England in September.”
Philip Browne, IRFU CEO commented: "Paul has been a fantastic servant to Irish Rugby. His contribution to Irish rugby is immeasurable in terms of not only driving success on the field but also raising the profile of Irish Rugby around the world.”
The player is rumoured to be set for a move to