Munster legend Quinlan confirms retirement

Munster and Ireland legend Alan Quinlan has confirmed that he will retire from professional rugby at the end of the season.

The 36-year old confirmed the news ahead of Munster’s Magners League clash with Llanelli Scarlets this weekend.

Quinlan has had a distinguished career in the colours of both Munster and Ireland, making 210 appearances for his province since his debut in 1996 and receiving 27 caps for Ireland.

The back row forward, who was comfortable at 6,7 and 8, was a central figure in what has been something of a golden era for Munster rugby and was part of the squad that won the Heineken Cup in 2006 and 2008, the Celtic League in 2003 and the Magners League in 2009.

At international level, Quinlan was often harshly overlooked by Eddie O’Sullivan when he was in his prime, but still made 27 appearances for his country, including three appearances in the Rugby World Cup in Australia in 2003, where he famously dislocated his shoulder in the process of scoring a try in the victory over Argentina.

A fiery character, Quinlan was known for his abrasiveness on the pitch and often got in trouble with the law, something that cost him his place on the Lions tour of 2009 when he was banned for 12 weeks after being found guilty of gouging the eye of Leinster’s Leo Cullen in the Heineken Cup semi-final in the same year.

Despite his short fuse, ‘Quinny’ was an inspirational figure for province and country and an extremely popular character with his team mates.

Commenting on Quinlan’s decision to call it a day, Munster coach Tony McGahan said: “Alan Quinlan has been an integral part of the success of Munster Rugby for the past 15 years.

“His longevity in what is a highly attritional profession is a tribute to his dedication, application and durability.  Alan was a player’s player whose impact in big games and ability to turn a negative situation into a positive action made him a great player to have on your side and a crowd favorite."

"His decision to call it a day at the end of this season of course evokes a sense of poignancy for all of us who have worked with him but it's balanced by the knowledge that he can look back on a great career with pride at what he's achieved. He's leaves us with our thanks and very best wishes for the future.”