In the fallout from Ireland's heartbreaking 20-18 defeat by Scotland in Parma last Sunday which cost them any chance of qualifying for next year's World Cup in New Zealand, one of the last surviving links with the Grand Slam, World Cup semi-final and Six Nations title in 2013, 2014 and 2015, Claire Molloy, has announced her retirement from international rugby.
A former intercounty footballer with Galway, the 33-year-old flanker played for Ireland 74 times over the last 12 years.
She said: “12 years in the green shirt; not the ending I would have wanted. So many memories, priceless highs and some rock-bottom lows.
“To all the coaches, physios, team managers, S&Cs and all the backroom staff, thank you for guiding me along the way, and often patching me back together at times.
“To the players I’ve shared the pitch with, it’s been an honour. So many fantastic inspiring women I get to call friends.
“To my best supporters, my Mum and Dad, thank you for following me all over the world to watch.”
