Connacht veteran Tiernan O'Halloran confirms retirement

Connacht full-back Tiernan O'Halloran has confirmed he will retire at the end of the season.

The 33-year-old is to call time on a 15-year career with his native province which also saw him earn six caps for Ireland.

The full-back made his Connacht debut in 2009 against Olympus Madrid in the EPCR Challenge Cup, and has gone on to play 236 times for the province, with only Denis Buckley, Michael Swift and John Muldoon having played more times for them.

His 48 tries for the province leaves him second on their all-time list behind Matt Healy.

O'Halloran was a key member of the Connacht side that won the Pro12 title in 2016, and scored the opening try of the final, in which they beat Leinster 20-10.

He would go on to make his debut for Ireland on their 2016 summer tour of South Africa, before being named Connacht's Player of the Year in 2017.

"After 15 seasons of an absolute dream come true I've decided to call it a day on my rugby career," he said.

"I could never have imagined as a nine-year-old boy starting rugby growing up in Clifden that I would have experienced the career I was lucky to live.

"For the last 15 years I gave it my all for that jersey. I've had many highs and lows throughout the journey, but 2016 will always be my most memorable year.

"From that amazing day in Edinburgh to my first time representing my country in South Africa, I never would have got to that point without the support of my family, friends and teammates.

"I am eternally grateful to all of the coaches and team management I played under throughout my career who always supported and guided me. A massive thanks to the medical and S&C staff over the years who helped me from so many injuries."

Connacht head coach Pete Wilkins added: "Tiernan should be