BREAKING | Irish Captain Ciara Griffin announces retirement from International Rugby

Ireland Captain Ciara Griffin will retire from international rugby following Saturday’s Autumn Test against Japan at the RDS.

The UL Bohs star made her Irish debut in the 2016 Six Nations and first captained the side two years later, a post she will maintain until her retirement.

The 27-year-old will win her 41st and final cap this weekend when Ireland take on Japan this Saturday.

Speaking on her decision, Griffin said,

“It has been a childhood dream come true to play for my country. Being afforded the opportunity to captain the National Team has been the highest honour. It has been an incredible journey filled with many highs and lows and I am very grateful for all the life skills I have developed through my involvement in High Performance sport.

“It is a decision I have not come to lightly and after discussing it with my family ahead of the Autumn Tests, it is now time for me to turn my focus to my life outside of rugby and begin a new chapter. I would like to thank everyone for their unwavering support, and I look forward to supporting the team going forward.”

Ireland Head Coach, Adam Griggs, praised the outgoing Griffin who stood out in her first training session.

Griggs made Griffin captain three years ago with both set to depart the Irish set up after this weekend’s game.

“Ciara stood out to me right from our first training session as a genuine leader and someone that players respect and listen to. She wears her heart on her sleeve and it is that leadership style along with her passion and dedication to making people and the team better that has always been so effective.

“Ciara has led the way with her standards and what it takes to be a first class international, and I know in doing this has inspired so many young players to take up rugby and try to emulate her own journey. Irish Rugby will miss her, and we wish her all the best in retirement and the next chapter of her life.”

All at Sporting Limerick would like to wish her the best of luck in retirement.