Ireland back Considine announces retirement

Eimear Considine helped Ireland to their historic win over New Zealand in September

Ireland back Eimear Considine has announced her retirement from rugby aged 33.

Considine, who grew up playing camogie and gaelic football in her native Limerick, only took up rugby at the age of 23 when she moved to Dublin.

She was recruited into the Ireland Sevens programme and went on to make her 15s debut in 2017.

A regular at both full-back and wing for Ireland, she sustained an ACL injury in the 2022 Six Nations and welcomed her son, Caolan, in January 2023.

Considine faced a further spell away from rugby with an second ACL injury, but a strong return to action with Munster earned her a call up for September's game with Australia.

She scored on her first appearance in more than two years as Ireland shocked the Wallaroos in Belfast, and was key as Scott Bemand's side then stunned New Zealand in WXV1 later that month.

Considine's final Ireland try came in her penultimate match against Canada, and she lined out in green for the 29th and final time against the USA in October.

"At the age of 23, I was given an opportunity to play rugby. I had no idea back then of the incredible journey that lay ahead," Considine posted on social media.

"But now, after 10 years, I feel it's time that the journey ends.

"To all my coaches throughout the years at Bohs, Munster, and Ireland, thank you for backing me. To all my team-mates, I have made friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.

"To all the supporters, you've been there through thick and thin and I look forward to joining you from here on out."