Rugby:Having missed out on selection for Ireland's summer tour of New Zealand, Geordan Murphy has decided the time is right to confirm his international retirement. The Leicester captain won the last of his 74 caps during the World Cup last autumn and failed to feature during Ireland's Six Nations campaign.

After being overlooked once more by Ireland coach Declan Kidney when he announced his touring party for the three tests against the All Blacks, the 34-year-old has opted to concentrate solely on his club career with the Tigers.

"I am not in and you know when it's time to hang up your boots at any level," Murphy said today. "I have had some tremendous memories with the squad but it is time for some young lads to come in and prepare for the next World Cup. I haven't spoken to him (Declan) about it, but I am going to give him a shout. That's it.”

A gifted footballer, Murphy made his first appearance in a green shirt against the USA in 2000 and scored a total of 18 tries during his Ireland career. Initially left out of the Ireland squad for the last World Cup, Murphy was called into the panel to replace the injured Felix Jones and won his final two caps in the pool stages.