Ireland fullback Murphy retires from Test Rugby

Ireland full-back Geordan Murphy has decided to quit playing international rugby after he was not called up for Ireland’s tour of New Zealand in June.

The Leicester Tigers captain had been considering his international future but being left out of Declan Kidney’s squad has prompted his decision.

“You know when it’s time to hang up your boots at any level,” Murphy told the Leicester Mercury.

“It is time for some young lads to come in and prepare for the next World Cup.”

Murphy said that he would contact Ireland coach Kidney to inform him of his international retirement.

“I have had some tremendous memories with the squad,” the 34-year-old Murphy said.

Murphy played in two of Ireland’s matches at the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand and has won 74 caps for Ireland.

Highlights of Murphy’s career include the 2009 Six Nations Grand Slam and the 2005 British and Lions tour to New Zealand.

Murphy’s retirement from playing International rugby for Ireland comes after similar retirements from Shane Horgan, Jerry Flannery, Denis Leamy and David Wallace.