Ireland full-back Geordan Murphy has retired from international rugby after failing to make the squad for the tour to New Zealand.
As Heineken Cup champions Leinster go in search of a second row and centre to bolster their challenge for another European title next season, Munster have even more pressing demands following another retirement yesterday, the second one of the week, in the guise of prop Darragh Hurley.
The Irish Rugby Union Players’ Association (IRUPA) has downplayed fears that more of its members will be forced to quit the game due to injuries.
Leicester Tigers fly-half Jeremy Staunton is not sure where — or if — he will be playing next season.
Tributes were paid last night to Denis Leamy, who has been forced to retire from professional rugby due to a serious hip injury.
Ulster’s Paul Marshall, or one of the departing and returning Munster number nines Tomás O’Leary and Peter Stringer, are in line to make the Irish party who play a three-match Test series against New Zealand next month.
It is possible New Zealand legend Brad Thorn could be back in Leinster colours next season.
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