The IRFU has confirmed Paul O’Connell will retire from international rugby and leave Munster following this year’s World Cup.
A statement released by the IRFU and Munster Rugby this afternoon says that the Irish captain has requested an early release from his contract, which runs until 2016.
O’Connell has been repeatedly linked with a move to French side Toulon.
O'Connell thanked the IRFU and Munster today: “for releasing me from my contract at the end of the Rugby World Cup.
He went on to say that “as a proud Limerick, Munster and Irishman, I will forever treasure my association with Munster Rugby.
“After the World Cup I would like to experience new environments, and it is my genuine hope and ambition that I will have some future involvement with Munster and Irish Rugby,” he added.
IRFU CEO Philip Browne said: "Paul has been a fantastic servant to Irish Rugby. Over the course of his 101 Ireland caps to date he has set the standard for the model Irish professional.
"His contribution to Irish rugby is immeasurable in terms of not only driving success on the field but also raising the profile of Irish Rugby around the world."
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