Rugby:Munster and Ireland flanker Alan Quinlan will retire from rugby at the end of the season.
The 36-year-old has played 27 times for his country and has 210 Munster caps to date.
The news was confirmed today at the province’s weekly media briefing at the University of Limerick ahead of their Magners League game against Scarlets.
“Alan Quinlan has been an integral part of the success of Munster Rugby for the past 15 years,” said Coach Tony McGahan. “His longevity in what is a highly attritional profession is a tribute to his dedication, application and durability. Alan was a player whose impact in big games and ability to turn a negative situation into a positive action made him a great player to have on your side and a crowd favourite.
"His decision to call it a day at the end of this season of course evokes a sense of poignancy for all of us who have worked with him but it's balanced by the knowledge that he can look back on a great career with pride at what he's achieved. He's leaves us with our thanks and very best wishes for the future."
Quinlan may yet get to add to his Munster caps after being named in the squad to face the Scarlets on Saturday. An appearance at Parc Y Scarlets would come nearly 15 years after he debuted for his province
Munster could welcome Tomás O’Leary back for the clash against sixth-placed Scarlets after the scrumhalf resumed training today, following his recovery from an eye injury sustained in an Ireland training session during the Six Nations.
Paul O’Connell remains sidelined with an ankle injury and was due to be re-assessed today.
The Munster 23 will be named on Friday at midday.
Munster Squad:F Jones, D Hurley, K Earls, P Warwick, D Howlett, L Mafi, S Tuitupou, J Murphy, D Barnes, S Zebo, C Murray, P Stringer, D Williams, D Cusack, R O'Gara, M Horan, D Hurley, W du Preez, T Buckley, J Hayes, S Archer, M Sherry, D Fogs, D Varley, D Ryan, M O'Driscoll, A Quinlan, P Butler, D O'Callaghan, D Wallace, J Coughlan, T O'Donnell, N Ronan, D Leamy.
