Munster winger Ian Dowling has announced he is to retire from professional rugby.
The 28-year-old has been forced into the decision because of a hip injury he sustained in a game against Ospreys last September.
In the course of a career that started in September 2005, the Kilkenny native won 97 competitive caps and played in both the 2006 and 2008 Heineken Cup finals and won a Magners League medal in 2009.
Dowling informed his team-mates of his decision ahead of training this morning.
'It's been a fabulous experience,' he admitted.
'I've made some great friends and take with me really great memories, the two Heineken Cup wins obviously the highlights.
'But besides that, I've had wonderful times with Munster.
'In fairness, I've received all the help and assistance I could have asked for from the Munster medics and I'm hugely appreciative of all the time and effort they've put in trying to get me back.
'We've explored every avenue possible but in the end I know this is the right decision, the only one really.'
