Eimear Considine: Ireland announces his retirement

Ireland full-back Eimear Considine has announced her retirement from rugby at the age of 33.

Considine, who grew up playing camogie and Gaelic football in her native Limerick, only took up rugby at the age of 23 when she moved to Dublin.

She was recruited into the Ireland Sevens program and made her 15s debut in 2017.

A regular at both fullback and wing for Ireland, she suffered an ACL injury during the 2022 Six Nations and welcomed her son, Caolan, in January 2023.

Considine faced a further spell away from rugby with a second ACL injury, but a strong return to action with Munster earned her a call-up for September’s match with Australia.

She scored on her first appearance in more than two years as Ireland shocked the Wallaroos in Belfast, and played a key role as Scott Bemand’s side stunned New Zealand in WXV1 later that month.

Considine’s last try in Ireland came in her penultimate match against Canada, and she was in green for the 29th and final time against the USA in October.

“At the age of 23 I was given the opportunity to play rugby. Little did I know of the incredible journey that awaited us,” Considine posted on social media.

“But now, after ten years, I think it’s time for the journey to end.

“To all my coaches over the years at Bohs, Munster and Ireland: thank you for their support. To all my teammates: I have made friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.

“To all supporters: you have been there through thick and thin and I look forward to joining you from now on.”