Irish flank Denis Leamy has officially announced his retirment from rugby following injury problems.

Since returning home from last year's World Cup the 30-year-old has only been able to place seven matches because of a bad hip injury.

Leamy won the first of his 144 Munster caps in September 2001 and played in both the 2006 and 2008 Heineken Cup finals. Capped 57 times by Ireland, he played in two World Cups, was twice a Triple Crown winner and was a member of the 2009 Grand Slam winning side.

Commenting on the news Leamy said, "I find it hard to put into words how much it has meant to me to play for Munster and Ireland. It was a dream come true and I was very lucky to play with some of the greatest players ever to wear the jerseys and blessed that I was part of winning teams.

"I've had a great career, wish it had gone on a little longer but I'd like to thank all the coaches, players, medical staff and management who have helped me over the past decade. It's been a great honour to be involved with such an outstanding group of people.

"I'd also like to thank the fans most sincerely. I fully appreciate the sacrifices they've made, spending their hard earned cash to cheer us on, be it Munster or Ireland, at home games and all over Europe. Their support has been truly fantastic and a memory I'll carry forever."