Humphreys will retire after Six Nations

Gerry Thornley stands over his story about Ireland's most capped outhalf despite IRFU denial

The IRFU yesterday issued a statement attributing quotes to David Humphreys which rejected a report in this newspaper that Ireland's most capped outhalf was going to retire from Test rugby at the end of the Six Nations. Despite this, it is our clear understanding that the 34-year-old will confirm his retirement from Test rugby and has already decided to do so.

"He's got a young family and I certainly don't want to rush him into any decision," said O'Sullivan at a press conference yesterday. "I think he needs time to discuss it, and we agreed that after the championship we would talk about it again. And that's the way it is, so whoever made that statement was leading people astray," said O'Sullivan.

In response to this, I had no option but to state that I stood by the story completely, and restated my utter belief that Humphreys will not be playing Test rugby after the Six Nations.

"That might be true, but the man made a statement today in the press that he has not made a decision to retire from rugby. If he makes that decision after the Six Nations, then you could say he made it before the Six Nations but I spoke to the guy today, and I speak to him all the time. I don't want to say it but you're not taking the man at his word," said O'Sullivan, maintaining that this writer was led astray.

In response, I reasserted that I was not led astray, and that a deal allowing Humphreys to continue to playing for Ulster, without making himself available for Test rugby, has already been drawn up and that Humphreys has decided this is what he wants to do next season.

"Well, you'll have to take that up with David. The man made a statement this morning, I didn't say anything. He said it," responded O'Sullivan.

The statement was issued by the IRFU press officer, naming The Irish Times, in which Humphreys was quoted as saying: "Myself and Eddie O'Sullivan had discussed my future plans back in November and prior to the start of the championship. We agreed that we would talk again after the tournament. The report in today's paper that I have made a decision is inaccurate and any decision will not be made until after the Six Nations." Frankly, I believe Humphreys is being put in a very awkward position here.

One can well understand that O'Sullivan would prefer no journalist or media outlet would have got wind of this, namely that Humphreys has made a decision which he has confirmed to family and those close to him in Ulster rugby circles that he wants to spend more time with his wife Jane and three young children, while making his first steps into his legal career.

But that's the way it is.