Ireland forward Victor Costello has announced he will retire from competitive rugby at the end of the season.
The 34-year-old, who has not featured in the current RBS 6 Nations Championship campaign, made his international debut against the USA in 1996 and went on to win 39 caps for his country.
Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan said: ''Victor Costello has enjoyed an incredible sporting career of which rugby has played a huge part.
He was one of the most talented athletes in world rugby and played a big part in the recent success of the national team, none more so than in the Rugby World Cup in 2003. I wish him every success in his future career plans.''