The IRFU issued a press release formally announcing the inevitable in the last few minutes.
Paul O'Connell is to retire from international rugby after the World Cup.
The Irish Rugby Football Union and Munster Rugby can today confirm that Paul O'Connell will retire from international rugby at the end of the 2015 Rugby World Cup. The Irish Captain will be released from his IRFU Munster contract once Ireland's participation at the tournament is completed.
Paul, who is currently contracted until June 2016, has requested an early release from contract and both the IRFU and Munster Rugby have acceded to the request given Paul's exceptional contribution to the sport.
O'Connell himself contributed to the statement and has expressed the hope that he will have an involvement in Munster rugby at some point in the future.
He said he now wished to experience 'new environments'.
I would like to thank Munster Rugby and the IRFU for releasing me from my contract at the end of the Rugby World Cup. I have been hugely fortunate to play with one of the greatest sporting organisations in the world and as a proud Limerick, Munster and Irishman, I will forever treasure my association with Munster Rugby. After the World Cup I would like to experience new environments, and it is my genuine hope and ambition that I will have some future involvement with Munster and Irish Rugby."
I would also like to thank all Munster and Irish Rugby fans for their support and I look forward to them showing why they are regarded as the best supporters in world rugby as Ireland travel to the Rugby World Cup in England in September.
Munster CEO Garrett Fitzgerald took the opportunity to acknowledge O'Connell's contribution to the Munster cause.
Over a 14 year career with the province, Paul has epitomised what it means to wear the red jersey, and through his own hard-work, commitment and leadership he has become an iconic figure in world rugby.
The IRFU's Philip Browne highlighted O'Connell's massive contribution to what has been a hugely successful time for Irish rugby.
His contribution to Irish rugby is immeasurable in terms of not only driving success on the field but also raising the profile of Irish Rugby around the world.
