Irish Rugby Legend Paul O'Connell has retired from professional rugby after a fourteen year career. O'Connell (36) had retired from International Rugby back in October following the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

In a statement released on the IRFU website, O'Connell has cited Medical Advice as his reason for his sudden retirement. After leading Ireland to a Six Nations Championship in 2015, O'Connell led Ireland into the 2015 World Cup. In September last year, O'Connell led Ireland to the 2015 Rugby World Cup, it is here that in the crucial group stage clash with France that O'Connell sustained a hamstring injury. He was stretchered off and had to watch the rest of the tournament from the stands.

O'Connell was due to make a move to French side Toulon after leaving Munster, however the injury he received at the World Cup was to prove too much for the Limerick Man to recover from. O'Connell had a very illustrious career at the top of Irish Rugby with highlights including the historic 2009 Six Nations Grand Slam win along with two European Cup wins with Munster. He led Ireland to back to back Six Nations titles in 2014 and 2015.

O'Connells full statement can be read here.