Ireland flanker O'Brien to retire at end of season

Ireland flanker Sean O'Brien on Friday revealed he will retire at the end of the season.

O'Brien won 56 caps for Ireland and played in five Tests for the British & Irish Lions on tours to Australia and New Zealand.

The 35-year-old spent 11 seasons with Leinster, winning the European Cup and four league titles, before moving to English Premiership club London Irish in 2019.

O'Brien was named European player of the year 11 years ago.

"After much deliberation and consultation with my family and friends, I can confirm that I have decided to retire from playing professional rugby at the end of the season," O'Brien said in a statement.

"I feel lucky to have experienced so many wonderful highlights over the course of my career. At an international level, I feel privileged to have won 56 caps for Ireland.

"I gave everything I could possibly give, and I will always look back with great pride at every time I pulled on the Irish jersey to represent my country, my county, my friends and family."

At the end of the 2021/22 season, I will be retiring from professional rugby. I've enjoyed every second of my career and can't thank my friends and family enough for their support.Thank you,Sean. pic.twitter.com/kEvhDUBXhn