Munster and Ireland prop Dave Kilcoyne announces retirement from rugby
Michael Bolton
Munster and Ireland prop Dave Kilcoyne has announced his retirement from professional rugby.
Kilcoyne has played 220 times for Munster since making his debut in 2011, while he also won 56 caps for Ireland.
He was part of the Grand Slam winning team in 2023 and also helped Munster to the URC title that year.
Kilcoyne played in both the 2019 and 2023 World Cups for Ireland.
The last two seasons has seen his appearances limited, as he went through serious shoulder and achilles injuries.
His last game for Munster was away to Ulster in December 2024.
Speaking on the announcement of his retirement, Kilcoyne said: “Growing up living in Limerick, my dream was always to play for Munster and Ireland. To have done so for so long has been a dream come true.
“The last two years haven’t gone as planned with surgeries to my shoulder and Achilles. In a way, it’s easier that the decision to play on has been taken away from me.
"I take great pride in knowing that I always gave everything I had and left nothing on the pitch. It’s almost a fitting way for me to finish up.
"I want to thank all the coaches that have influenced my career right the way up from UL Bohemians, Ardscoil Rís, Munster and Ireland."
"I want to thank my family who have been a constant support throughout my career. I certainly wouldn’t have had the career I had if it wasn’t for their unwavering support over the years.
"I want to thank all my team-mates that I shared the battlefield with over the years, a lot of whom are my best friends today."
IRFU Performance Director David Humphreys added: “It is never an easy day for a player to hang up their boots, but Dave can look back on his career with immense pride.
“As both a character and a driving force on the field he will be missed, but to play more than 50 times for his country tells you all you need to know about his abilities as a high-class loosehead prop.
Kilcoyne joins Peter O'Mahony and Stephen Archer in retiring at the end of the season, while Conor Murray will also be leaving the province.
