Ulster’s record appearance holder Paddy Wallace has announced that he will retire at the end of the season.
The 34-year-old has played 189 times for the province since making his debut in the 2001/02 season, while he has also amassed 30 caps for Ireland.
Wallace, a Grand Slam winner with his country in 2009, has been troubled by injury for the last couple seasons and last played for Ulster against Zebre in December 2013.
The inside centre said: “I have been happy to call Ulster my home for all my life and to play at the one Province for a whole career is something that is really special.
“Professional rugby is all I have known for the past 14 years. I am going to miss playing at Ravenhill, the fans and everything involved with being a rugby player.
“However, I have lots of fond memories. I have had a great career and I wouldn’t change anything for the world.”
A sad day for me. Hanging up the boots is never easy Thanks to my family and friends who made my career possible!
— Paddy Wallace (@paddywallace12) May 15, 2014
And thanks to the extended family @UlsterRugby I would play on forever but the body has nothing left to give. #SUFTUM
— Paddy Wallace (@paddywallace12) May 15, 2014
