FORMER LEINSTER and Ireland full-back Rob Kearney has announced that the game against Samoa for Barbarians will be his last.
The Grand Slam winner announced that he would be hanging up his boots on Twitter. He said the game at Twickenham will be his "last game of rugby".
Kearney leaves behind a glittering playing career at international and club level. The 35 year old won Grand Slams in 2009 and 2013, four Six Nations titles and featured twice for the Lions. His time at Leinster heralded six Pro14 titles, four Heineken Champions Cups and one European Challenge Cup.
Dublin , Ireland - 29 August 2020; Rob Kearney of Leinster in action (Photo By Brendan Moran/Sportsfile via Getty Images)A regular for Ireland under Declan Kidney and Joe Schmidt the Leinster man was always dependable and able.
Kearney made 95 appearances for his country and 219 for Leinster in a successful career career. He also spent time in Australia with Western Force.
Kearney wrote on social media:
"It’s always been a dream to play for the @Barbarian_FC and what a historic team to play your last game of rugby with, grateful for the opportunity!"
Kearney also returned to GAA club action with Louth club Cooley Kickhams following his departure from Western Force after a 16-year break from Gaelic games.
Kearney won't be the only Irish player to play for the Baa-Baa's this weekend. There are seven Irish players between the men's and women's teams.
They include recently retired Irish captain Ciara Griffin, Lindsay Peat, who is also expected to retire after the game, as well as Anna Caplice, Sene Naoupu and former Ireland centre Jenny Murphy.
leinster second row Jack Dunne have both been named in the men's squad.e, while Dunne is the only uncapped player in Dave Rennie's squad.
Soon-to-be Ulster number eight Duane Vermeulen will also line out for the Barbarians, before completing his move to Belfast.
It’s always been a dream to play for the @Barbarian_FC and what a historic team to play your last game of rugby with, grateful for the opportunity! pic.twitter.com/xQP3ohB93P
— Rob Kearney (@KearneyRob) November 23, 2021
