Quinlan to retire

Ireland international Alan Quinlan is to retire from professional rugby at the end of this season.

Quinlan won 27 caps and was a key part of Munster’s two Heineken Cup-winning campaigns in 2006 and 2008, in addition to helping them gain domestic league title success.

The 36-year-old flanker was also selected for the 2009 British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa, but then missed out after receiving a 12-week ban for gouging during a Heineken semi-final against Leinster in Dublin.

Quinlan has played more than 200 games for Munster since making his debut in 1996.

Munster coaching director Tony McGahan said: “Alan’s longevity in what is a highly-attritional profession is a tribute to his dedication, application and durability.

“He was a players’ 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 favourite.”