Sheahan, 32, had planned to extend his career with French club Brive but he has been forced to quit early.

The hooker won 29 Ireland caps but his career has been badly affected by injury in recent years.

He sustained the pectoral problem against Connacht last January and aggravated the injury in his final Munster game in April.

"I had injured the pec' against Connacht at Christmas and at that stage the medics reckoned it a career-ending injury," said Sheahan.

"But I'd been in this position before, had an operation on it in January and with the help of the Munster medical team and fitness coaches I got back into contention for selection for the end of the season games.

"However I took another knock in that game and soon after accepted what the medics were telling me and I've decided to call it a day."