BREAKING: Munster Rugby's Andrew Conway to retire from sport immediately

MUNSTER RUGBY'S Andrew Conway has today confirmed his immediate retirement from rugby due to a knee injury.

Conway bows out after an outstanding career that saw him line out for Munster on 150 occasions, scoring 50 tries to become our third-highest try-scorer of all time.

In a statement published by the province Conway stated: " Unfortunately, I have been advised to retire from professional rugby because of a knee injury.

An incredible amount of work has been put in by the Munster and IRFU medics to get me back and I can’t thank you all enough for your commitment. Thank you to all the backroom staff I’ve been lucky enough to cross paths and work with over the years. You know who you are. A special mention to Damien Mordan, Keith Fox, Dr. Jamie Kearns and Dr. Ciaran Cosgrave for your care and support through the years. 

To my team-mates from my first Leinster cap in 2010 all the way to my last Munster cap last month. It was an honour to go to battle with you all. I’m more grateful than words can express.

Playing for this great club was the best decision I ever made. Thank you to all the Munster supporters that embraced me as one of your own!

Playing for Ireland was my dream come true. Singing the national anthem with my team-mates, watched on by family and friends was the proudest I’ve ever been."

Andrew has had an incredible career for both Leinster and Munster coming up through the club ranks before being picked for an Irish squad. 

He also scored 15 tries in his 30 Ireland caps, won a Triple Crown and featured in the 2019 Rugby World Cup. He finished the competition as Ireland’s top try-scorer with three tries in as many appearances.

After coming up through the ranks at Blackrock College, Conway lined out 42 times for Leinster before making the move to Munster in 2013.

He scored his first try for the province against Cardiff Blues in November 2013 and made a try-scoring Champions Cup debut for Munster against Sale Sharks in 2014.

After four strong seasons with Munster, Conway earned his first Ireland cap against England in the 2017 6 Nations.

Munster Head Coach Graham Rowntree said: “Andy is a hugely respected and popular member of the squad and has been a fantastic player for Munster Rugby over the last ten years.

A brilliant professional, he has been a pleasure to work with and I know he is going to go on and enjoy more success in whatever he chooses to do next."