Ireland international Declan Fitzpatrick has retired from rugby due to concussion issues.
The 31-year-old Ulster prop, who has not played since January, confirmed the decision today.
In a statement, Ulster said: "In recent seasons Declan experienced a number of concussive episodes. His symptoms were progressively slower to resolve and he was referred to a leading neurologist by the medical team at Ulster Rugby.
"Following tests it was recommended that it would be in his best long-term interests to stop playing."
Fitzpatrick thanked the medical team and also said his symptoms have been improving.
"While it’s not an easy decision to hang up the boots, I can look back with fondness at nine fantastic seasons at Ulster Rugby," he said.
"It was a huge honour to have represented my country and an enormous privilege to pull on that green shirt. I have played alongside some brilliant individuals and have made friendships that will extend long into my retirement from rugby.
"I want to thank the medical teams at Ulster Rugby and the IRFU for the care that they have given me. My symptoms continue to improve and I know the advice that I received is in the best interests of my long-term health."
The tighthead prop won seven Ireland caps during his career, as well as representing the Wolfhounds.
His last international cap came against New Zealand in the famously narrow 2013 defeat.
From his Ulster debut in 2006, Fitzpatrick represented the province 98 times.
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