Rugby:Irish international Denis Leamy has confirmed his retirement due to a hip injury. The 30-year-old Ireland international was plagued by a hip complaint, which limited him to just three Pro12 games and Munster's four opening games in the Heineken Cup following his return from the World Cup.

"I find it hard to put into words how much it has meant to me to play for Munster and Ireland,” Leamy said this morning. “It was a dream come true and I was very lucky to play with some of the greatest players ever to wear the jerseys and feel blessed that I was part of winning teams.

"I've had a great career, wish it had gone on a little longer but I'd like to thank all the coaches, players, medical staff and management who have helped me over the past decade."

Leamy, who played in two World Cups, featured in just seven games for Munster this season. His retirement is the latest blow to Munster after a dreadful season which has also seen them lose the likes of experienced warriors Jerry Flannery and David Wallace to injury, while Mick O’Driscoll also announced his retirement a few weeks ago.

He played 145 times for Munster, winning Heineken Cup medals in 2006 and 2008, having made his debut in 2002 when he was 19.