Humphreys calls time on international career

ULSTER fly-half David Humphreys officially retired from international rugby yesterday, saying it was the right time for him to go.

Despite last-minute pleas from Irish coach Eddie O’Sullivan, Humphreys, 34, decided to walk away from the international scene after ten years, wanting to spend more time with his young family and to kick-start his business as a solicitor in Belfast.

Though the 72-times capped fly-half will continue with Ulster for another season, O’Sullivan has no real successor to Ronan O’Gara if the Munsterman should get crocked in the run-up to the 2007 World Cup.

Although he refuses to be drawn into any suggestion of a comeback, however, it’s believed that if O’Sullivan came calling in a real emergency, Humphreys would not say no.

“I have had a brilliant ten years on the international scene,” said Humphreys. “Most of my memories have been exceptionally good. Some great games to savour, and people who will be friends for life. There have been low points as well, but they are secondary. But one has to consider the future, and I think now is the right time to step down. In the end it was not that hard a decision to make.”

Humphreys’ last game was against Romania in the autumn, when he pushed his then Ireland record to 560 points, but with O’Gara playing in the Six Nations, Humphreys didn’t play in any of the five matches.

“I suppose being on the bench did help make up my mind. It’s great being a part of this Ireland team, but one can get a bit frustrated sitting on the bench.”

Humphreys made his debut against France in 1996, but had to vie for the number 10 jersey first with Paul Burke, then Eric Elwood, and eventually O’Gara.

Humphreys proved his worth in March 2000, as a replacement, he landed a 45-metre penalty to give Ireland their first victory on French soil for 28 years, though his glory was stolen by an up-and-coming Brian O’Driscoll, who scored a hat-trick that day.

In 2003, Humphreys was honoured with an MBE for his services to sport and also received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Ulster.

Before making waves for Ireland, Humphreys had already hit the headlines. Although beaten by Cambridge 21-19 in the annual Varsity match in 1995, he scored all Oxford’s points with a try, conversion, three penalties and a dropped goal.

His greatest triumph, of course, was captaining Ulster to Heineken Cup glory in 1999.

He is also the Celtic League all-time top points scorer with 582 and holds the European Cup record of 37 points in the 42-17 win over Wasps in 2001.