Geordan Murphy has decided to retire from international rugby with Ireland with immediate effect as he focuses on club rugby with Leicester Tigers, who are 4/11 with bookmaker to win the Aviva Premiership.
The 34-year-old Tigers skipper failed to make the cut for head coach Declan Kidney’s summer tour squad, who will be making the tough trip Down Under to take on World Cup winners New Zealand.
Murphy earned 74 caps for his country in a fine career at the highest level but now the full-back has decided to call time on international duty.
He told the Leicester Mercury: “You know when it’s time to hang up your boots at any level.
“It is time for some young lads to come in and prepare for the next World Cup.”
Murphy will now be fully focused on helping the Tigers claim the Aviva Premiership title when they face Harlequins at Twickenham in the Grand Final on Saturday.