Simon Zebo has announced that he will retire from professional rugby at the end of this season.
The 34-year-old Munster back has enjoyed a 14-year career at the top of the game, and will step away come the conclusion of Munster's URC campaign.
Zebo's career has taken in two spells with Munster, either side of a three-year stint in the Top 14, and honours at both club and test level.
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Simon Zebo to step away from rugby at the end of the season
13 January 2024; Simon Zebo of Munster, 3rd from left, celebrates with teammates after scoring their side's second try during the Investec Champions Cup Pool 3 Round 3 match between RC Toulon and Munster at Stade Felix Mayol in Toulon, France. Photo by Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile
In a statement released via Munster Rugby on Tuesday, Simon Zebo said:
After much thought, I’ve decided that this season will be my last playing the game I love. It has been a dream come true, making memories and friends for life and travelling the world with amazing people.
A huge thank you to my family, friends, teammates, coaches and supporters – without ye none of this would have been possible. I am truly grateful for all the love and support over the years.
I’ve loved every second, it’s been some craic and I can’t wait to see what’s next.
Lots of Love. Zeebs
The Corkman began his career at Cork Con, having come through the well-renowned breeding ground of the Presentation Brothers College in the city. Pres was also the school where the likes of Ronan O'Gara, Peter Stringer, and Peter O'Mahony, among many others, earned their rugby education.
Zebo made his debut for Munster in 2010 and has gone on to become the leading try-scorer in the province's history with 72 in 173 appearances in red.
His 35 tries overall in the Champions Cup put him third overall, and rank him as the most prolific Irish try scorer in the tournament's history.
In 2018, he moved to Paris to line out alongside fellow Munsterman Donnacha Ryan at Racing 92. Zebo's stint at the club was successful on a personal level, as he scored 25 tries in 60 appearances, though Racing failed to claim any silverware during his time there.
25 June 2013; Simon Zebo, British & Irish Lions, after the game. British & Irish Lions Tour 2013, Melbourne Rebels v British & Irish Lions. AAMI Park, Olympic Boulevard, Melbourne, Australia. Picture credit: Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE
He would return to Munster in 2021 and has since reintegrated himself as a crucial player in the squad. Though he struggled with injuries, he claimed a URC medal with the province last season to add to his previous triumph in 2011. He will hope to add yet another come this year's final on June 22.
Zebo's Ireland career was stunted by his time in France, but he still managed nine tries in 35 appearances for his national team and has a Six Nations winner's medal to boot from 2015. He is also a former British & Irish Lion, having represented the side three times during the victorious 2013 tour of Australia.
A hugely popular figure among Irish fans, Simon Zebo will be missed by Munster supporters, who will hope he can go out on a high note over the coming weeks.
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