JOHNE MURPHY HAS announced his retirement from professional rugby at the age of 30.

Murphy was a great servant to Munster rugby. Source: Donall Farmer/INPHO

The former Leicester Tigers back spent the last five seasons with Munster, racking up a total of 91 appearances, but was released by the province this summer.

Having assessed his options to continue playing, including an offer from a French club, Murphy has decided to hang up his boots.

The ex-Cill Dara RFC man was with Leicester from 2006 until 2010, helping them to three Premiership titles and scoring a total of 15 tries in the English league.

Murphy played for the Ireland ‘A’, Wolfhounds and Emerging sides, playing a part as the third of those teams won the IRB Nations Cup last year. The versatile back, who played at fullback, on the wing and in midfield, also won a Churchill Cup in 2009.

Murphy won a Pro12 title with Munster. Source: James Crombie/INPHO

After moving home to Ireland in 2010/11 to join Munster, Murphy made 15 starts as the province won the Pro12 title later that season.

I’m grateful for the long and successful career that I’ve had but it is now time to call an end to it,” said Murphy.

“I would like to thank all my mentors, coaches, teammates, the fans who have made my time in the sport so special and most of all my family for all the support they have given me throughout the last 10 years.”