Irish flanker Gleeson to retire

Keith Gleeson returned from a serious injury to play for Ireland

Ireland and Leinster flanker Keith Gleeson has announced that that he will retire from professional rugby at the end of the season.

The 31-year-old made his international debut in 2002 and won 27 Irish caps.

"I've enjoyed my time with Leinster and am honoured to have played for both my province and country," he said.

"My decision is largely inspired by my desire to explore new avenues and opportunities and I feel now is the time to do that."

He added: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank my coaches, all the support staff at Leinster, my friends and family for their support over the last seven years."

Gleeson made his senior debut for Leinster in 2001 and since then has gone on to win 115 caps for his province.

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In February 2002 he burst onto the international scene when he came on as a substitute in Ireland's Six Nations game against Wales.

He became a consistent member of the Ireland team until the 2004 Six Nations when he broke his arm in the match against Italy.

This was followed by a serious leg injury during a training exercise in August of the same year.

Despite being a potentially career ending injury Gleeson made a full recovery and marked his return to the game with an appearance for his club, St. Mary's College, late in the 2004/05 season.

He went on to reclaim his place in the Leinster senior team and make a further four appearances for his country.

Born in Ireland, Gleeson emigrated to Australia at the age of seven only to return in 2001 as a result of an invitation to play with Leinster.

While in Australia he played with the New South Wales Waratahs, Australian Barbarians, Australia U19 and Australia U21s.

Gleeson will return to Australia at the end of the year with his wife Fiona to work in the family business.