Niall Scannell has confirmed that he will retire from professional rugby at the end of the season after playing over 200 times for Munster.
Following his debut against Italy in Rome in 2017, Scannell earned 20 Ireland caps, playing at the World Cup in 2019. His last appearance came against New Zealand in the quarter-final of that tournament, a game which Ireland lost 46-14.
He would also play against the Maori All Blacks in the summer tour of 2022, but these were uncapped fixtures.
"It's been a dream journey but the time has come to hang up the boots," Scannell said in a statement.
"I’m finishing this chapter with nothing but gratitude. I’m honoured to have been able to play my whole professional career with my home club, with some of my best friends, my brother and my cousin.
"It has been a dream come true to represent Munster as many times as I have and it was a particular highlight to be able to represent my country.
"I am excited to discover what the next chapter holds but for now it’s back to work and finish this season strong."
The hooker made his senior debut for Munster against Scarlets at Musgrave Park in late 2013, but it would take a couple more seasons until he became a regular in the team.
To date, he has scored 23 tries for the southerners, with a highlight of his career at Thomand Park being the 2023 URC victory.
Scannell is the most capped hooker to have ever played for the province and he is one of just 17 players to have played for Munster more than 200 times.
In December 2015, himself and his brother Rory became the first set of brothers to start for the province in the PRO12 as they faced Dragons at Rodney Parade. Niall would go on to captain Munster for the first time in February 2020 against Zebre, in a match in which Rory and their cousin Jack O'Sullivan also played.
