Connacht centre Keith Matthews has been forced to retire from the game to injury.
The 29-year-old, who has made 25 European appearances for the Irish Province, ruptured his Achilles back in April and has failed to recover.
"It's heartbreaking being told your rugby career is over but I've had a little bit of time to get my head around it and though it's a bit daunting thinking of a life without rugby in it as one chapter closes another opens so I'll keep myself busy and just get on with it," said Matthews.
"It'll be hard not playing anymore, standing in the terraces watching the guys play against Toulouse in the Heineken Cup and knowing I'll never hear the roar of the crowd after a good break or a good tackle. That was one of things that really hit home and that was pretty tough but I have no regrets at all. I like to think that every time I pulled on the green jersey I gave it my best, yeah I made mistakes, I'm only human but I always gave it 100%."
"I'm delighted to have reached 100 caps for the Province, it's a big milestone and it's great to know I'm up there on the 100 Wall, it's something I'm very proud of. I've had 7 great seasons with the club and enjoyed every single one of them and I would like to say a huge thank you to all the players, coaches, staff and medical personnel who I've worked with over the years, especially the physio's who've helped me in the last 7 months. I'd also like to thank all the Connacht fans and supporters for all the great memories."
