Leinster's Scott Fardy has confirmed his impeding retirement from professional rugby.
The Australian forward turns 37 in July, and has racked up 76 appearances so far for his adopted province following his arrival from the Brumbies in 2017.
Fardy still has road left to travel with Leinster, having started last weekend's 34-22 victory away to Exeter Chiefs in the quarter-finals of the Heineken Champions Cup.
"I’ve loved every minute of this adventure," Fardy told Leinsterrugby.ie, "Not only the last few years with Leinster but all of it and of course there is still a lot of rugby to be played this season.
"It's been a tough year but I'd like to thank the supporters for all that they've given me in my time here." 💙🙌
Hear more from @Scottfardy as he announces that he will retire from professional rugby at the end of the season. 🔵👇#ThanksFards #LeinsterRugby pic.twitter.com/Xnq0vg99hC— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) April 15, 2021
"We are still on a high after the weekend and we’ve a massive few weeks ahead and that is our focus right now.
“We’ve a week off at the moment and then we’ll begin our build up with a game against Munster Rugby and then the massive challenge of facing La Rochelle away in France."
Earlier this week, Leinster submitted plans to the government that could see 2,000 fans in attendance for a game at the RDS, potentially as early as next month.
Fardy hopes there can be some loyal Leinster supporters present for his eventual send-off.
He said, "There will be time to sit back, reflect and to thank the clubs and the people that have played a part in my playing career when the season is done and maybe even in person.
“It’s been a hard year for everyone in society and playing without our fans has been difficult but hopefully off the back of Monday’s news, I might be able to say thank you and goodbye at the RDS in front of our supporters which would be special.
“Until then all my energy and focus is on finishing the season strongly with Leinster.”
During his time with Leinster, Fardy has won a Heineken Champions Cup and no less than four Guinness PRO14 titles.
Along with Devin Toner and fellow retiree Michael Bent, he helped lift the PRO14 trophy at the RDS last month.
"Scott leaves a formidable legacy behind him at the club," said Leinster head coach Leo Cullen.
"He has been a key figure in the team’s recent success and has been an invaluable member of the leadership group during his time here.
“Fards is a great competitor on the field but he also brings great enjoyment and fun to the entire squad throughout our lengthy season when the team is constantly changing, particularly with international players away and younger players stepping up in their absence.
“I’m sure lots of Leinster supporters will remember his performance in Bilbao when he was still straining every last fibre deep into injury time to try to block down the late Remi Tales drop-goal attempt.
"But there have been so many other moments where he has shown a real physical edge and winning mentality across a brilliant four years.
“We wish Scott, Penelope and their two boys, August and Walker, all the very best with their return home safe in the knowledge that they have friends here for life at Leinster.
“We very much hope to see them back at sometime in the future at a packed RDS Arena so that the Leinster faithful can show their appreciation and give them a proper blue wave goodbye.”
While Fardy departs, Leinster have confirmed that hooker Sean Cronin and scrum-half Luke McGrath have both signed new deals with the province.
Another stalwart of #LeinsterRugby has signed up!
Who wants to see more of @SeanCronin2 on 🔥? 🔵#NuggetsOnFire pic.twitter.com/hxNY5aR35b— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) April 15, 2021
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