The Daily Star Ireland
Three of Ireland’s most seasoned rugby players—Conor Murray, Peter O’Mahony, and Cian Healy—have announced their retirement from international rugby following the conclusion of the upcoming Guinness Six Nations Championship. The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) confirmed that the trio will bid farewell to Test rugby after Ireland’s final match against Italy on Saturday, 15 March.
In addition to their international retirement, Healy and O’Mahony will conclude their provincial careers at the end of the 2024/25 season, while Murray is set to leave Munster for an overseas opportunity. Collectively, these players have amassed an impressive 371 caps for Ireland, with Healy holding the record as Ireland’s most-capped player at 136 appearances. Murray and O’Mahony have earned 123 and 112 caps, respectively.
Throughout their illustrious careers, each player has secured five Six Nations titles, including Grand Slam victories in 2018 and 2023. O’Mahony notably captained Ireland to the championship in 2024. Interim head coach Simon Easterby praised their contributions, stating, “They have each played a huge role in the success of Irish Rugby over the course of their careers and they continue to inspire their teammates around them.”
Healy, 37, will retire as Ireland’s most decorated player, having also made a record 287 appearances for Leinster and clinching four Champions Cup titles and seven United Rugby Championship titles. O’Mahony, 35, a former Munster captain, has played 193 times for the province, winning two URC titles and leading the British and Irish Lions in the first Test against New Zealand in 2017. Murray, also 35, is set to make his 200th appearance for Munster in his next game and has participated in three Lions tours, stepping in as captain during the 2021 tour of South Africa.
