Leinster's Costello to retire

Leinster and Ireland forward Victor Costello is to retire from competitive rugby at the end of the season.

Costello made his debut for Ireland against the USA in 1996 and went on to win 39 caps for his country. He made his provincial debut for Connacht in 1993 and toured with Ireland to Australia in 1994. After a short spell with London Irish in 1996, he returned to Ireland with Leinster and has made 121 appearances for the province.