Ireland's Easterby to retire from international rugby
Easterby to retire from international rugby
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Monday, 17, Mar 2008 10:45
Llanelli Scarlets captain Simon Easterby has announced that his appearance against England at the weekend will be his last for Ireland as he retires from international rugby.
The 32-year0old back-row forward, who came on as a substitute during his country's 33-10 Six Nations defeat at Twickenham, has explained that he feels that now is the appropriate time to call an end to an international career which has also seen him represent both the British and Irish Lions.
He stated: "After eight years in the squad I now feel this is the time to step down.
"With the demands on international rugby players these days, and with a young family, I feel this is the right time to move on to the next stage of my life and over the next two years my main focus is on the Scarlets, where hopefully we can bring some success to the fans."
Easterby played in each of Ireland's Six Nations Championships matches between 2004 and 2007 after winning his first international cap in 2000.
In the absence of Brian O'Driscoll and Paul O'Connell, he also captained Ireland in the 2005 autumn series and holds a record number of caps for his position.
The news comes soon after Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan stated that he has no intention of resigning from his position despite his side's poor showing in this year's Six Nations.