Former Ireland prop Jack McGrath has announced his retirement from rugby at the age of 33.
The former Leinster and Ulster forward has battled with a hip injury over the last few seasons.
McGrath was part of the Ireland team that won Six Nations titles in 2014 and 2015 under Joe Schmidt.
The Dubliner, who won three Lions caps on the 2017 tour of New Zealand, was an integral part of Leinster's success during his time there from 2010 until 2019, picking up a Champions Cup medal, a Challenge Cup and three domestic titles.
The club paid tribute to the loosehead on social media calling McGrath a "warrior" and thanking him for "incredible memories".
He made the switch to Ulster in 2019 but appearances were limited due to injury and he was released at the end of last season.
McGrath won 56 Irish caps and played 145 times for Leinster.
𝐀 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫 👊
— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) February 16, 2023
Having announced his retirement this morning, everybody at Leinster Rugby would like to wish our former player Jack McGrath all the very best.
💙145 Leinster caps
☘️56 Ireland caps
Some incredible memories along the way. 💪#ThanksJack #LeinsterFamily pic.twitter.com/116Xf1JTwL
"This decision has taken a considerable amount of time, it has been one of the hardest I’ve ever had to make," said McGrath in a statement.
"The last few years have been extremely testing for myself and my family, both mentally and physically.
"I feel I have given everything to my rugby career and I have no regrets or anything left to prove. It’s been a long road of rehabilitation after two hip resurfacing operations.
"My main focus now is my family and I am excited for this next chapter with them.
"I am in a position now where I have a comfortable, pain-free life and can be an active dad, which I have chosen over going back to play rugby."
Listen to the RTÉ Rugby podcast on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
Watch live coverage of Leinster v Dragons (Saturday 7.35pm) on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, follow our live blog on RTÉ.ie/Sport and the RTÉ News app.
