Flannery calls time on Munster after injury

The 33-year-old won two Heineken Cups with Munster and started four of Ireland’s five matches in their 2009 Grand Slam triumph.

Later that year, Flannery was selected for the British and Irish Lions only to be ruled out of the South Africa tour with a fractured elbow. He was sent home from the Rugby World Cup after suffering a recurrence of a long-standing calf injury and he then developed the back problem which has now forced him to call time on his career.

“I’m very sad to have to announce my immediate retirement from rugby,” said Flannery, who won 41 Ireland caps.

“Since my injury at the 2011 World Cup, I’ve struggled to regain the level of fitness required to play at this level and after consulting with the medical staff at Munster and at Ireland I am announcing my retirement with immediate effect.

“I would like to thank all the medical staff who have worked so hard on my behalf and shown great patience in dealing with me. I feel incredibly privileged to have played with so many great players with Munster and with Ireland.

Flannery’s final competitive match was for Ireland in their World Cup group win against the United States last September, before injury forced him out of the tournament.

Munster chief executive Garrett Fitzgerald described Flannery as “an example to all young players”.