Paddy Wallace confirms his retirement

Paddy Wallace will bring the curtain down on an Illustrious 14-year career with Ulster at the end of the season, the former Ireland international confirmed this afternoon.

The 34-year-old, who has been used sparingly over the last two seasons due to injury, will hang up his boots at the end of the current campaign having made a record 189 appearances for the province.

Wallace, who made his Ulster debut against Swansea in 2001, went on to win 30 Ireland caps. His final appearance for Ulster came in December of last year.

“I have been happy to call Ulster my home for all my life and to play at the one province for a whole career is something that is really special,” Wallace said today.

“Professional rugby is all I have known for the past 14 years. I am going to miss playing at Ravenhill, the fans and everything involved with being a rugby player.

“However, I have lots of fond memories. I have had a great career and I wouldn’t change anything for the world.”