He recovered from this only for a back injury to force the Munster man to hang up his boots.

Flannery won 41 caps for Ireland since making his debut in 2003, starting four of five games as Declan Kidney’s side secured an RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam in 2009.

His trophy cabinet also includes two Heineken Cup winners medals picked up for Munster and it is this success that allows Flannery to bow out on a high.

"I'm very sad to have to announce my immediate retirement from rugby due to injury,” he said. “Since my injury at the 2011 World Cup, I've struggled to regain the level of fitness required to play at this level and, after consulting with the medical staff at Munster and at Ireland, I am announcing my retirement with immediate effect.

“I would like to thank all the medical staff who have worked so hard on my behalf and shown great patience in dealing with me.

“I feel incredibly privileged to have played with so many great players with Munster and with Ireland.

“To train hard and win trophies for Munster and Ireland alongside some of my best friends has been an amazing experience.

“I'm incredibly grateful for all the opportunities rugby has given me to date and I would like to thank all my friends, family, coaches and teammates for their support along the way.

“Finally, I would like to thank all the Munster and Irish rugby fans who I have been so proud to represent over the the course of my career, your level of support has been amazing and I can never thank you all enough. It's been emotional.”