Anna Caplice retires from Ireland duty

Ireland flanker Anna Caplice vowed to play her part in steering the future of women's rugby after announcing her retirement from the international game.

The 32-year-old won 16 caps for her country but was omitted from Greg McWilliams' squad for this spring's TikTok Women's Six Nations.

She won her first cap in 2016 and featured in the 2017 World Cup.

In a statement released on social media, the Corkwoman said: "Playing for Ireland has meant the absolute world to me," she said.

"Every second I have spent on that pitch with my teammates has been nothing short of amazing and I'm heartbroken to say that there won’t be another.

"It is an honour to be blessed with so many wonderful memories in green: singing the anthems; running on to the pitch with my friends; hearing the crowds; dragging each other through tough times in training; post-match meals with the opposition; sing-songs on the buses; changing room dance-offs; meeting young fans; not wanting to get changed out of your jersey at the end of a game because you want the feeling to last forever.

"When I looked down at the crest on my heart I always thought of my family and where I was from."

Reflecting on her future, Caplice added: "My intent to leave a legacy in Irish Rugby does not end here. I believe that, in the current climate of the game, those of us off the pitch have just as much power as those on the pitch when it comes to steering the path of the future of women’s rugby."

Ireland conclude their Six Nations campaign against Scotland tonight (8pm kick-off, live on RTÉ2 and the RTÉ Player).

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