Alan Quinlan, the Munster and Ireland rugby legend, recently retired from the game after 14 years as a professional.

Like all professional sportsman the world over, he had become accustomed to a, shall we say, slightly pampered lifestyle.

Following road-signs, directions or Sat-Navs isn’t really an issue when you travel most places by luxury coach.

Finding a parking space out of reach of the clampers on the day of a big game is another problem the pros never have to worry about.

Likewise, looking after clothes is an area where top sportsmen often have others whose job it is to kit them out, in everything from playing gear or leisurewear all the way to the more formal wear required for the after-match function.

Now that his playing days are over, Alan Quinlan has realised the importance of having some top quality threads in his wardrobe.

Alongside our partners Kartel, July on JOE.ie is all about Suits Focus, our extended look at finding and wearing the best suit for the big occasion, wherever you are in the country.

We caught up with Alan for a Kartel photoshoot last week. Coming up over the next few days we’ll be bringing you a gallery with all the shots and all the details of the top-quality suits worn on the day.

Before that, though, above is some behind the scenes footage from the event and a few words from Quinny himself on his hopes for his former Ireland team-mates at the Rugby World Cup in September and October, the strangeness of a summer without pre-season training – and, of course, the importance of wearing a quality suit now that he’s retired from the game.