Former Lions tourist Geordan Murphy has retired from international rugby.
The 2005 Lion has called time on a lengthy career with Ireland after it was announced that he wouldn’t be touring New Zealand with his country this summer.
The 34-year-old won 72 caps for Ireland, starting way back in 2000 when he scored two tries on his debut against the United States in Dublin.
Murphy missed out on the 2003 World Cup through a broken leg but he was part of both the 2007 and 2011 tournaments, playing in two games in the latter over in New Zealand.
The Leicester Tigers captain was part of the Grand Slam winning squad in 2009 but was overlooked for a second Lions tour that same year.
"You know when it's time to hang up your boots at any level," Murphy told Martin Crowson of the Leicester Mercury.
"I have had some tremendous memories with the squad but it is time for some young lads to come in and prepare for the next World Cup.
"I haven't spoken to him (Ireland coach Declan Kidney) about it, but I am going to give him a shout."
Murphy won a Lions Test cap when Britain and Ireland’s elite toured New Zealand seven years ago.
Sir Clive Woodward used him in seven games on tour, including the opener against Argentina in Cardiff and the final international with the All Blacks in Auckland.
