Mike Ross to retire from rugby at the end of the season

Mike Ross has this morning confirmed that he will retire from rugby at the end of the season.

Ross has played on 61 occasions for Ireland since his debut in 2009 on the summer tour to Canada, while he has made a total of 151 appearances for Leinster since his debut in September 2009 against the Scarlets.

A former Munster 'A' and Harlequins player, Ross signed for Leinster in time for the 2009/10 season from Quins and has to date won two Heineken Cups, a Challenge Cup and two PRO12 titles with Leinster.

During this time he also won two 6 Nations titles with Ireland and represented Ireland at the 2011 and the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

"Rugby has been a huge part of my life and I've been incredibly lucky to have been a part of some amazing teams," said the 37 year old Cork native.

"I never dreamed having had such a late start in the professional game that I'd go on to achieve such goals, or win 61 caps for Ireland. I'm indebted to my teammates and coaches, my friends and family.

"... Unfortunately you can't play forever. It's time to go in a different direction and I'm stepping out of the rugby bubble and moving into the fast growing world of technology.