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Rory Best: Ireland captain to retire after World Cup

Last updated on .From the section Irish Rugbycomments161

Ireland skipper Rory Best announces retirement

Ireland and Ulster captain Rory Best will retire after this year's World Cup in Japan.

The hooker, 36, made his international debut in 2005 and his tally of 117 caps is the third highest for Ireland.

"It is with mixed feelings that I announce my retirement from Ulster Rugby as of the end of this season," said Best.

"This feels like the right time for me to go out on my terms, a luxury for which I feel very privileged."

The World Cup runs from 20 September until 2 November.

Since succeeding Paul O'Connell as captain in 2013, Best led Ireland to three Six Nations titles, including the Grand Slam in 2018.

A win over New Zealand last November capped a remarkable year for Irish rugby, although Joe Schmidt's side suffered a disappointing 2019 Six Nations and fell to heavy defeats by England and Wales.

Best has featured in three World Cups and twice been selected for the British and Irish Lions, although he did not play a Test.

Ireland, who have never reached the semi-finals of a World Cup, begin their Pool A campaign against Scotland on 22 September.

Rory Best
Best led Ireland to a Grand Slam in 2018

Best said: "I am very excited for the end of the season with Ulster and for the upcoming World Cup with Ireland - both of which I hope to finish with a massive high, playing at the top of my game."

In March, Best indicated that he would quit international rugby after the World Cup, although there were suggestions that he may continue his club career.

He is currently sidelined with an ankle injury suffered during Ulster's European Champions Cup quarter-final defeat by Leinster on 30 March.

He is unlikely to recover in time for the Pro14 home quarter-final, scheduled for 3/4 May, but is expected to be fit for a potential semi.

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161 comments

  • Comment posted by swoopster25, at 11:38 18 Apr 2019

    Rory Best encapsulates everything that is good about rugby. Im an England fan but the guy is a class act. Made trhe most of his talent, always speaks well, leads well and is a credit to the game. ope all rugby fans leave the partisan stuff for the play ground and pay tribute to true rugby legend. Enjoy retirement Rory

  • Comment posted by NigelB, at 11:45 18 Apr 2019

    As a Welsh 'diehard' I am delighted to have seen Rory Best play on more than one occasion. A true leader who 'gets stuck in 'when it matters.

    I wish him a long and happy retirement with the hope that he will be found a role within which he can pass his undoubted talents on to the next generation.

  • Comment posted by MiniMadMarty, at 11:21 18 Apr 2019

    An Ulster legend. You owe us nothing Rory, hope the guys can give you a good send off in the league playoffs.

  • Comment posted by rucknroll, at 11:35 18 Apr 2019

    Four Six Nations
    Two GS
    4 Triple Crowns
    1 Pro 12

    Not a bad record! Great captain, great player!

  • Comment posted by Big Rugby Man, at 11:17 18 Apr 2019

    Great Servant for the Irish Team - Must respect the achievements he has had in his career - he will be after a good result at the world cup

  • Comment posted by blues1959, at 11:33 18 Apr 2019

    Been a great rugby player and a credit to Ulster and Ireland

  • Comment posted by TheLastKingOfEngland, at 11:19 18 Apr 2019

    Great player, but unfortunately time catches up with everyone in the end. Here's hoping he gets a good send off at the world cup.

  • Comment posted by Barrian, at 11:28 18 Apr 2019

    Typical thorn in the side Irish player who his opponents can only have respect for. Good luck with what you do after the world cup.

  • Comment posted by banaerialpingpong, at 11:46 18 Apr 2019

    One of the most decorated players in Irish history, a great servant to rugby as a whole. No doubt he’ll head back to the farm!
    A real pain in the as* in games v Scotland. Won’t miss him from that perspective lol
    Thanks again Rory and enjoy retirement post World Cup

  • Comment posted by exile in hants, at 11:22 18 Apr 2019

    What a player, what a legend, deserves all the accolades he gets

  • Comment posted by Far Canal, at 12:20 18 Apr 2019

    An Irish hero, good luck to you Rory.

    Comparisons with Hartley are foolish. Best has never gouged, bitten or been a thug. Dylan has let himself, his teammates and his club or country down on numerous occasions. I know who I would want in my side.

  • Comment posted by banaerialpingpong, at 12:01 18 Apr 2019

    @3 I would rather have best in my team than Hartley. leader, skilful player, no discipline problems, gives away few penalties

  • Comment posted by Spartacus Cruise, at 11:51 18 Apr 2019

    @3. Remoaning Green

    "Would never have got in the England team ahead of Dylan Hartley."

    The strength, leadership skills, human qualities and all-round dedication to the cause leading to team success of D Hartley vs R Best. Discuss... ;)

  • Comment posted by sha1964, at 13:51 18 Apr 2019

    One of those guys who seems like he's been around for ever. Seen him interviewed a few times on TV and always comes across as a really nice guy as well as clearly being a great player and inspirational leader of the Irish team. I'll definitely miss watching him play and wish him all the best in his retirement. England fan

  • Comment posted by Bongo1973, at 12:38 18 Apr 2019

    As another welsh diehard - Well done Rory you have served the game with honour and distinction and made the games very enjoyable. Enjoy the retirement but hopefully not too much so you can help inspire the next generation of players with your experience and demeanour which NH Rugby really does need to come through to compete with the likes of NZ.

  • Comment posted by SunnyScot, at 13:29 18 Apr 2019

    If you're fit, capable and a damn good player why not play for as long as you can. Hat's off to you Best, you'll be missed!

  • Comment posted by Trader88, at 13:16 18 Apr 2019

    Remoaning Green, your comments are pitiful, laughable and uneducated in equal measure. Time you were back commenting on soccer methinks. Rory Best...fabulous player, complete gentleman and a credit to Ulster, Irish & Lions rugby. Hats off to you, Sir!

  • Comment posted by Redneck, at 11:28 18 Apr 2019

    A class act

  • Comment posted by U14993392, at 16:20 18 Apr 2019

    Sad to see some of the criticisms on here of a great player. No, his lineout throwing wasn't the best but the rest of his game was very good indeed. He is a strong and articulate leader who isn't afraid to put his body on the line.

    You don't win 3 six nations championships carrying passengers and definitely not at hooker or captain.

    A great player, enjoy retirement!

  • Comment posted by 4291, at 11:47 18 Apr 2019

    A gentleman, thank you!

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