Simon Best Hangs Up His Boots

Best, 30, started his career in 1996 as a semi-professional player with Newcastle Falcons RFC before three years later joining the 1999 Heineken Cup champions Ulster. In 2003, the Ulsterman, won his first senior Ireland cap against Tonga and later was part of Ireland's World Cup squad in Australia. In all he wore the green jersey of Ireland on 23 times and twice as captain.

In 2005, he took up the role of Ulster captain, leading his side to the Magners League title and has made a total of 39 Heineken Cup appearances in nine years with the Irish province.

During the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France the Armagh man withdrew from the Ireland squad after suffering an episode of an irregular heart rhythm. He has subsequently made a full recovery but has been advised against returning to top flight professional rugby.

Best, whose brother Rory is currently the Ulster captain, was very sad to announce his retirement but expressed his gratitude to his coaches, players, medical team and supporters for their on going support throughout his career and during the past few difficult months.

Commenting on the news Ulster Rugby Chief Executive Michael Reid said: "It is disappointing that Simon's rugby career has come to a premature end however, I have no doubt it will be the start of a new and exciting chapter in his life. A hard and uncompromising prop forward on the field he has been the epitome of the model professional off it and we look forward to seeing Simon regularly at Ravenhill cheering Rory and the rest of the boys on."