Munster and former Irish flanker Alan Quinlan to retire
Last updated on .From the section Rugby Union
Munster and former Ireland flanker Alan Quinlan will retire from professional rugby at the end of the season.
The 36-year-old won 27 Irish caps and was a key part of Munster's Heineken Cup-winning campaigns in 2006 and 2008.
Quinlan played more than 200 games for Munster since making his debut in 1996.
"Alan's longevity in what is a highly-attritional profession is a tribute to his dedication, application and durability," said Munster coach Tony McGahan.
He added: "Alan Quinlan has been an integral part of the success of Munster Rugby for the past 15 years.
"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."
Quinlan was selected for the 2009 British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa, but then missed out after receiving a 12-week ban for gouging during a Heineken semi-final against Leinster in Dublin.
