Simon Zebo, a key figure in Munster's recent history, has played his last game of professional rugby. Munster's reign as URC champions ended tonight in Limerick as they were upended by old rivals Glasgow in the URC semifinals. The Warriors defied the odds as they secured a spot in the upcoming URC Grand Final with tries from captain Kyle Steyn and winger Sebastian Cancelliere.
The result left the majority of the 20,052 crowd stunned. Munster had plenty of possession but were let down by poor execution and pivotal penalties at vital times.
For Munster, it means the end of the road for many brilliant players for the province: RG Snyman, Joey Carbery and most notably, Zebo, the mercurial Corkman who was something of a human highlight reel during his brilliant career.
There were emotional scenes as Zebo said goodbye to the Thomond faithful.
Simon Zebo leaves the Thomond Park pitch for the last time as a Munster player. pic.twitter.com/9WUmbQEB2l
— Ciarán Kennedy (@CiaranKennedy_) June 15, 2024
15 June 2024; Simon Zebo of Munster, left, with teammate Alex Nankivell, as he leaves the pitch for the last time before retirement after the United Rugby Championship semi-final match between Munster and Glasgow Warriors at Thomond Park in Limerick. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
15 June 2024; Simon Zebo of Munster waves to supporters as he leaves the pitch for the last time before retirement after the United Rugby Championship semi-final match between Munster and Glasgow Warriors at Thomond Park in Limerick. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
15 June 2024; Simon Zebo of Munster, left, with teammate Alex Nankivell, as he leaves the pitch for the last time before retirement after the United Rugby Championship semi-final match between Munster and Glasgow Warriors at Thomond Park in Limerick. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
15 June 2024; Simon Zebo of Munster leaves the pitch for the last time before retirement after the United Rugby Championship semi-final match between Munster and Glasgow Warriors at Thomond Park in Limerick. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
From Zebo's perspective, he ends his career, which began with a dazzling breakthrough in PBC Cork and continued to shine through his adult career with Cork Constitution, Munster, Racing 92, Ireland, and the British & Irish Lions. His journey, marked by numerous achievements, has come to an end, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.
Zebo’s 35 Champions Cup tries are more than any other Irish player, and he is third on the all-time list for tries in the competition.
His talents were first displayed for Pres in Cork and Cork Constitution, where he won a Pinergy Munster Schools Senior Cup in 2007 and two All Ireland Leagues in 2008 and 2010.
A huge fan favourite, the 34-year-old made his Munster debut as an Academy player in 2010 and helped Munster to the Magners League title the following season.
His Ireland debut followed in 2012, and he went on to score seven tries in 35 caps for his country. He won the Six Nations in 2015 and also featured in that year’s World Cup.
He made three appearances for the British & Irish Lions in 2013 and departed Munster for Racing 92 in 2018 after scoring 60 tries in 144 appearances.
His three years in Paris were a big success as he continued his superb try-scoring record with 25 tries in 60 appearances for the French club.
