Ireland
Munster confirm Paul O'Connell exit with lock retiring from Test duty post-RWC
ESPN Staff
June 2, 2015
Paul O'Connell
Paul O'Connell© Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images

Munster have announced Paul O'Connell has been released from the final year of his IRFU contract with the lock retiring from international rugby after the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

O'Connell has been heavily linked with a two-year move to Toulon and the IRFU has agreed to bring a premature end to his contract "given Paul's exceptional contribution to the sport."

The announcement brings to an end O'Connell's lengthy association with Munster where he made 178 appearances. During that time he won two European Cups and three league titles.

At international level he has established himself as one of the world's finest locks and his caps for Ireland currently sit on 101.

"I would like to thank Munster Rugby and the IRFU for releasing me from my contract at the end of the Rugby World Cup," O'Connell said. "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.

"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. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

"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."

Munster CEO Garrett Fitzgerald added: "In wishing Paul all the best for the future I would like to acknowledge the outstanding role he has played within Munster Rugby.

"Over a 14 year career with the province, Paul has epitomised what it means to wear the red jersey, and through his own hard-work, commitment and leadership he has become an iconic figure in world rugby.

"A truly great ambassador for the province, he has been the standard-bearer of this team for over a decade and everyone around him has reaped the benefits of his professionalism and dedication. We would like to think this is not the final chapter in Paul's Munster story, and we would welcome future opportunities to work with him again."

Philip Browne, IRFU CEO said: "Paul has been a fantastic servant to Irish rugby. Over the course of his 101 Ireland caps to date he has set the standard for the model Irish professional.

"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."

© ESPN Staff

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