Paul O'Connell retires from rugby as a result of a hamstring injury which he suffered during last year's World Cup.

Not much got the better of Paul O'Connell during his illustrious rugby career. But the legendary Irishman's hamstring injury he suffered during the world cup, unfortunately has done, and has forced his retirement from the sport.

It means he leaves the game without even playing a match for his new club Toulon.

The 36-year-old retired from Test rugby after Ireland's World Cup campaign, but had planned a final swansong with the French champions. But has now announced "I have decided to retire from professional rugby following medical advice"

The former Lions captain tore his hamstring during Ireland's World Cup group game against France - meaning that he missed his country's quarter final appearance

He won 108 caps in 13 years of Test rugby, and will go down as one of his country's greatest ever players.

The former Munster lock captained his country 28 times and also led the Lions in three Tests.

Fellow Irish great Brian O'Driscoll has said that he is "simply irreplaceable".