'Driving force' Ireland prop Dave Kilcoyne has confirmed his immediate-effect retirement
Ireland Grand Slam winner Dave Kilcoyne has confirmed he is retiring from playing having made his final appearance with Munster last December at Ulster.
Injuries in recent seasons have taken their toll on the 36-year-old and he will step away from the game have played 220 times for his province and won 56 caps for his country, including featuring in the 2023 Six Nations Grand Slam and playing at two Rugby World Cups.
A club statement read: “Dave Kilcoyne has confirmed that he is retiring from professional rugby after an outstanding 15-year career with Munster and Irish Rugby.
“One of only 15 players to have reached the 200-cap landmark for Munster, Kilcoyne scored 22 tries in 220 appearances for his province and also earned 56 caps for Ireland. He made nine appearances at the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cups and won the URC with Munster and the Grand Slam with Ireland in 2023.”
Kilcoyne said: “Growing up living in Limerick, my dream was always to play for Munster and Ireland. To have done so for so long has been a dream come true. The last two years haven’t gone as planned with surgeries on my shoulder and achilles. In a way, it’s easier that the decision to play on has been taken away from me.
“I take great pride in knowing that I always gave everything I had and left nothing on the pitch. It’s almost a fitting way for me to finish up. I want to thank all the coaches who have influenced my career right the way up from UL Bohemians, Ardscoil Rís, Munster and Ireland.
“I want to thank my family who have been a constant support throughout my career. I certainly wouldn’t have had the career I had if it wasn’t for their unwavering support over the years. I want to thank all my teammates that I shared the battlefield with over the years, a lot of whom are my best friends today.
“To the red army of Munster supporters that have cheered and supported me and my career since 2011, thank you – I look forward to joining you in the stands. I’d also like to thank the University of Limerick (and my mother) for encouraging me and accommodating my education over the years.
“After my degree in business studies, I was able to complete an MSc in business project management in 2019. I am just about to finish a professional diploma in aircraft leasing and finance and hope to graduate in the summer.
“This wouldn’t have been possible without the help and understanding of the lecturers and the university. I’m extremely excited for what the next chapter brings and using all the skills and life lessons that my rugby career has given me.”
IRFU performance director David Humphreys added: “It is never an easy day for a player to hang up their boots, but Dave can look back on his career with immense pride. As both a character and a driving force on the field he will be missed, but to play more than 50 times for his country tells you all you need to know about his abilities as a high-class loosehead prop.
“Dave made an enormous contribution to the red of Munster and green of Ireland and he can reflect on playing his part in a successful era for Irish rugby. On behalf of everyone in Irish rugby, I would like to wish him and his family the very best in the future.”
READ MORE: ‘Total embarrassment’: Leinster crowning ‘phenomenal’ RG Snyman as their player of the year has divided the fans online
