Shane Jennings to retire from rugby at the end of the season

Ireland and Leinster flanker Shane Jennings has announced that he will retire from rugby at the end of this season.

Jennings, who captains Leinster on Friday against Italian side Zebre in their Pro 12 game in the RDS, is one of a number of talented backrow players in both Leinster and in Joe Schmidt’s Irish side.

Now 33, the St Mary’s College openside has been one of the leaders in the Leinster squad and has captained the team on a number of occasions.

Jennings spent a few fruitful years with Premiership side Leicester Tigers when he signed with them in 2006 along with lock Leo Cullen, who retired at the end of last season and now works with the Leinster forwards.

Jennings played with the Irish team between 2007 and 2012 and earned 13 caps, starting in six of those matches. His last game was the home Six Nations clash against Scotland in March 2012.

Jennings said: “(Retiring) has been on my mind for a while to be honest. The last couple of weeks probably solidified my decision. I’ve certainly taken my time to think about it, think about all the options, think about what I’m probably going to leave behind.

“There’s a number of reasons. My body is battered and bruised, but thankfully it’s not too bad. I’ve kind of been preparing myself over the last number of years with Irupa through educational programmes and mentor programmes, and I’ve got a lot of assistance and a lot of help over the last few years to prepare myself for this. I’m very grateful that I’m going out on my terms.

“I’m very grateful that I’ve been part of such a great club, such a great team. It’s been good times. But thankfully I’m confident I’ve made the right decision. I’m prepared, and I’m looking forward to the next stage of my life.”

Matt O’Connor praised the St Mary’s man, saying: “It’s been a pleasure to work with him over the last two season. I don’t think think there’s been a bigger contributor to the success of the organisation over the last few years than Jenno.”

Connacht’s longest-serving player Michael Swift has also announced that he will retire at the end of the current season.

The 37-year-old lock has played a record 268 times for Connacht over 15 seasons also holds the Pro 12 record with 183 appearances.

Swift is currently sidelined with a broken leg and is expected to be back in full training in six to eight weeks.

Commenting on his decision to retire, Swift said: “Whilst I’ve known this was coming for quite some time, it’s still quite surreal to think I’ll soon be saying goodbye to the team and the lads I’ve played with for so long.

“Connacht Rugby has been a huge part of my life for over 15 years and it’s difficult to imagine no longer being involved. I’ve enjoyed every bit of my time with the province and have so many people to thank for the opportunities afforded to me.”