Ulster back Tyrone Howe will retire from rugby at the end of the season. Capped 14 times for Ireland, the winger has had his share of injury problems in recent times.
A chronic groin injury forced him out of the game for three years in 1998.
"I’m taking some time at the moment to review my options career-wise but at this point think that I am probably going to hang up rugby boots up altogether at the end of the season" Howe said.
Howe won the first of his international caps on a summer tour to the United States in 2000 and made his Six Nations debut the following February against Rome in Italy.
The high point came in the summer of 2001 when he was called out to the British Lions Squad in Australia as a replacement for the injured Dan Luger.
He won one Lions cap, starting the match against NSW Country in Coffs Harbour on 26th June 2001.
Howe has played 99 times for Ulster, most recently when scoring as a late replacement against Llanelli in January.
"Tyrone is an extremely charismatic character and has been a hugely influential member of the Ulster squad for many years" said Ulster coach Mark McCall.
"His presence and contributions to the team, both on and off the field, were always positive and he will be very hard to replace.
"He always played with an incredible edge and had the ability to raise his game whenever it was needed.
"He will be hugely missed and on behalf of Ulster Rugby, the coaching staff, management team and the players, I would like to wish him every success for his future ahead".
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