Ireland captain Best to retire after World Cup in Japan

ByReuters

Published 18/04/2019 at 09:33 GMT

DUBLIN, April 18 (Reuters) - Ulster and Ireland captain Rory Best announced on Thursday his retirement from professional rugby after this year's World Cup in Japan.

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"It is with mixed feelings that I announce my retirement from Ulster Rugby as of the end of this season," the 36-year-old hooker, who had previously flagged up his likely international retirement, said in a statement.

"This feels like the right time for me to go out on my terms, a luxury for which I feel very privileged."

Best, whose contract expires after the September-November World Cup, has spent 15 seasons at the top level and helped Ireland win the Six Nations four times including two Grand Slam triumphs.

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