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Tyrrell and Fitzhenry announce retirement from international rugby

Ireland internationals Hannah Tyrrell and Katie Fitzhenry have both announced their retirements f...



Ireland internationals Hannah Tyrrell and Katie Fitzhenry have both announced their retirements from international rugby.

Both players were part of Ireland’s 2015 Six Nations-winning squad, the 2017 Women's World Cup squad, and also represented Ireland in Sevens.

Tyrrell's last game for Ireland was against Italy in the Six Nations last month and the 30-year-old returned to play for Dublin last weekend in the Ladies National Football League, scoring 1-5 for the All Ireland champions against Waterford.

The 30-year-old said: "I never imagined where this journey would take me.

"Getting to play rugby for Ireland in both Sevens and XVs, getting to travel the world to play on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, getting to play in a home World Cup, getting to play at Rugby World Cup Sevens and being part of a Six Nations-winning squad will forever be some of my greatest sporting memories.

"It has been an absolute privilege to wear the green jersey and I will cherish the memories and friendships made throughout my career with Ireland.

"I will be fully behind Adam and the team on their journey to qualify for next year’s World Cup in New Zealand, and I will always remain their biggest supporter."

Fitzhenry played 79 World Sevens Series games and won 13 caps for the international team.

The 32-year-old will formally retire from international rugby in July, ending a nine-year stay in the Ireland Women’s programme.

Fitzhenry said: "I’ve been lucky to put on the green jersey for the last seven years across both the Sevens and XVs formats, and to witness Irish women’s rugby and the programme grow into what it is today has been a privilege.

"I’m confident in the girls and the programme to now bring the sport to bigger and better places in this country and I’m very excited to support from the stands."

Ireland Head Coach Griggs added: "It will be sad to see both Hannah and Katie retire from international rugby.

"The last year has thrown up a lot of challenges and it is understandable that they are looking forward to the next chapter of their lives.

"They have been a huge part of driving the high standards on and off the field and we wish them well for the future."

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Adam Griggs Hannah Tyrell IRFU Katie Fitzhenry Six Nations Vodafone Women's Rugby World Cup