Double Lions tourist David Wallace insists he has no intention of retiring from international rugby despite approaching his 35th birthday.
The veteran back row has been one of Munster’s outstanding figures over the past decade, regularly producing performances packed with star quality.
Twice a Magners League winner and a double Heineken Cup Champion, Wallace has won 71 Ireland caps and toured twice with the British & Irish Lions.
Called up as a replacement for his first Lions tour to Australia a decade ago, Wallace missed out in New Zealand four years later but went on to feature in all three Tests in South Africa in 2009.
His is undoubtedly a stellar career and it is no surprise that he has been offered a one-year contract extension by Munster. And as his club career continues to go from strength to strength, Wallace insists any talk of calling it quits with Ireland on age grounds are premature.
Wallace’s on-field stats are still up there with the very best this season and, while his form is still so good, he sees no reason to retire from international rugby.
"It's a little bit frustrating (to be judged on his age). I've talked to guys about American football and they go on your stats, your speed, your strength. Once those are up there, then you can go on," Wallace told the Irish Independent.
"You have the whole wealth of experience built up as well, it's a bonus on top of those scores. Everyone ages differently and you can't compare like with like.
"You have to go on the way you're playing. I obviously want to play internationally. It's the age thing again. I don't think I should retire internationally after the World Cup.
"I'm sure there will be a transition period anyway. It's something I want to do, certainly, but it's a question of whether the management want you.
"They could argue the point that with a four-year cycle, you have to look to the future. If I'm playing well enough, and I'm the best player for the job, then I'm available to play."
