Ireland winger Denis Hickie will retire from professional rugby at the end of the World Cup.  The 31-year-old will end his career at both international and domestic level after Ireland's campaign in France.

The Leinster back has won 58 caps for his country since marking his debut with a try against Wales in 1997 and has scored 28 more to go level with Ireland skipper Brian O'Driscoll at the head of the country's scoring records.

Hickie said: "I have had a very enjoyable and fulfilling career as a professional rugby player.  I entered the senior ranks at the dawn of the professional era and benefited from all the advances made in that time.

"I have now decided that the best time to end my career is immediately after the upcoming World Cup. It is a decision that that I have not come to hastily and as a result I am content that it is both the right thing for me to do and that I am doing it at the right time.

I have enjoyed all my time as a professional player to date and I look forward to reflecting on all the aspects of my career and thanking all the people who have helped me throughout the last 11 years when the time comes but for now my focus is entirely on doing everything I can to help Ireland win the Rugby World Cup.

"Finally, I want to conclude by saying that I have chosen to make this announcement now in the interest of letting Michael Cheika and all at Leinster Rugby prepare accordingly for the upcoming season"

Eddie O'Sullivan, who is currently with the squad at their warm weather camp in the South of France, said Hickie will be remembered as one of the great Irish wingers.

"From my first encounter with him as Irish under-21 coach I knew he was destined for a great career with Ireland," said O'Sullivan.

"He has always been the consummate professional as is reflected in his performances with Ireland. I wish him every success in his retirement but not before he continues to have a major impact with us at Rugby World Cup."