Jordi Murphy to retire at the end of the season

Ireland international forward Jordi Murphy has announced that he will retire from rugby at the end of this season.

Capped 30 times by Ireland, Murphy played more than 100 games for Leinster before moving to Ulster in 2018.

He was part of the Ireland team that beat New Zealand in Chicago seven years ago, and made his final international appearance during the 2019 World Cup.

Announcing his decision on his social media channels, 31-year-old Murphy said: "I have decided to retire from profesional rugby at the end of this current season. I feel that the time is right and together with my family we are looking forward to the next chapter in our lives.

"The overwhelming feeling right now is of gratitude. For a career that I never even dreamed of having. For my wife Laura, who has always been by my side. For my mum and dad who supported me long before becoming a profesional player was even an option. For family and friends who have backed me through the highs and lows of the game. For my agent Niall and the team for all the off field support. For all the teammates, back room staff and coaches, past and present, many of whom will remain lifelong friends.

"To play for my boyhood club Leinster and my current club Ulster are experiences I will always cherish. To have represented my country will always be one of the highlights of my life.

"That being said - there's still a bit of rugby to be played. I look forward to contributing as best I can to the team for the remainder of the season."