End of an Era: Irish Rugby Stars Peter O'Mahony, Cian Healy, and Conor Murray to Retire After Six Nations 2025

Irish rugby legends Peter O'Mahony, Cian Healy, and Conor Murray announce their retirement from international rugby following the 2025 Six Nations, marking the end of a golden era.

In a significant moment for Irish rugby, stalwarts Peter O'Mahony, Cian Healy, and Conor Murray have declared that the 2025 Six Nations will be their final chapter on the international stage. This announcement signals the curtain call for three of Ireland's most influential players, whose contributions have shaped the nation's rugby history over the past decade.

A Legacy of Excellence

Between them, the trio boast over 300 caps for Ireland, five Six Nations titles, and two Grand Slam victories. Their careers have been marked by consistency, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the green jersey. With two rounds left in this year's Six Nations, Ireland still has a shot at clinching another Grand Slam, providing a fitting stage for these legends to bow out.

Individual Journeys

  • Peter O'Mahony: Known for his fierce competitiveness and leadership, O'Mahony captained the British & Irish Lions in the first Test against New Zealand in 2017. His physicality and work ethic have made him a cornerstone of the Irish pack.
  • Cian Healy: Ireland's most capped player, Healy's dynamic presence in the front row has been instrumental in both scrummaging and open play. His 2013 Lions tour remains a highlight of his career.
  • Conor Murray: A master tactician at scrum-half, Murray's precision and game management have been pivotal to Ireland's success. His contributions across three Lions tours (2013, 2017, 2021) further underscore his class.

Tribute from Interim Head Coach

Interim Ireland head coach Simon Easterby paid heartfelt tribute to the retiring trio: "They have each played a huge role in the success of Irish Rugby over the course of their careers and they continue to inspire their teammates around them. Knowing each of the guys, they will be focused on achieving even more success this season, and we are determined as a group to end their careers with Ireland on a high over these last two rounds."

Looking Ahead

While O'Mahony and Healy will retire from both club and international rugby at the end of the season, Murray is set to move overseas in the summer. Their departures leave big shoes to fill, but their legacy will continue to inspire the next generation of Irish rugby stars.

As fans bid farewell to these icons, the 2025 Six Nations promises to be an emotional and memorable tournament, celebrating the careers of three players who have left an indelible mark on the sport.

What to Read Next

France's Dominance in Six Nations 2025: A Generational Performance Without Dupont
Rugby

France's Dominance in Six Nations 2025: A Generational Performance Without Dupont

France showcased a generational performance in Six Nations 2025, defeating Ireland 42-27 in Dublin, even without star player Antoine Dupont, highlighting their depth and strategic brilliance.

Scotland Triumphs Over Wales in Thrilling Six Nations Clash
Rugby

Scotland Triumphs Over Wales in Thrilling Six Nations Clash

Scotland secured a 35-29 victory over Wales in a high-stakes Six Nations match, with Blair Kinghogrn and Tom Jordan each scoring two tries.

England Rugby Legends: The Players Who Reached the 100-Cap Milestone
Rugby

England Rugby Legends: The Players Who Reached the 100-Cap Milestone

Discover the elite group of England rugby players who have achieved the 100-cap milestone, including Jamie George, who joins this prestigious club.

British & Irish Lions 2025: Emerging Contenders and Key Players in Six Nations Week 3
Rugby

British & Irish Lions 2025: Emerging Contenders and Key Players in Six Nations Week 3

Explore Week 3 of the 2025 Six Nations and uncover the emerging players vying for spots in the British & Irish Lions squad, focusing on the competition at fly-half between Finn Russell and Sam Prendergast.

England vs Italy: Ultimate Guide to the Six Nations Showdown
Rugby

England vs Italy: Ultimate Guide to the Six Nations Showdown

Get ready for the Six Nations clash as England takes on Italy at Twickenham. Everything you need to know about the game, team news, and how to watch.

Scotland vs Wales 2025 Six Nations Clash: Key Details, Team News, and How to Watch
Rugby

Scotland vs Wales 2025 Six Nations Clash: Key Details, Team News, and How to Watch

Get all the essential details about the Scotland vs Wales match in the 2025 Six Nations, including kick-off time, team news, and how to watch live.

Ireland vs France 2025 Six Nations Clash: Key Details, Team News, and Live Broadcast Info
Rugby

Ireland vs France 2025 Six Nations Clash: Key Details, Team News, and Live Broadcast Info

Get the full scoop on the Ireland vs France Rugby 2025 Six Nations match, including kick-off time, viewing options, and team updates.

Strategic Shift: Marcus Smith's Fullback Role in England's Six Nations Campaign
Rugby

Strategic Shift: Marcus Smith's Fullback Role in England's Six Nations Campaign

England's rugby team continues to adapt Marcus Smith to the fullback position, a strategic move praised by coach Kevin Sinfield for its tactical advantages.

Six Nations Controversy: England and Exeter Clash Over Feyi-Waboso's Shoulder Surgery Delay
Rugby

Six Nations Controversy: England and Exeter Clash Over Feyi-Waboso's Shoulder Surgery Delay

Explore the escalating dispute between England Rugby and Exeter Chiefs over the delayed shoulder surgery of winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso during the Six Nations championship.

Wales' Dewi Lake Returns to Boost Six Nations Campaign Against Scotland and England
Rugby

Wales' Dewi Lake Returns to Boost Six Nations Campaign Against Scotland and England

Dewi Lake returns to the Wales squad, providing a crucial boost for their final Six Nations matches against Scotland and England.

Ma'a Nonu's Legendary Comeback: Joins Toulon at 42 for a Final Rugby Season
Rugby

Ma'a Nonu's Legendary Comeback: Joins Toulon at 42 for a Final Rugby Season

At 42, Ma'a Nonu, the All Blacks legend, makes a surprising return to Toulon for one last season, showcasing his enduring prowess in rugby.

France Demolish Italy 73-24 in Six Nations Thriller: Antoine Dupont's Masterclass
Rugby

France Demolish Italy 73-24 in Six Nations Thriller: Antoine Dupont's Masterclass

Antoine Dupont's stunning performance led France to a dominant 73-24 victory over Italy in the Six Nations, showcasing their attacking brilliance.

Ireland's Gritty Victory Over Wales Keeps Grand Slam Dream Alive in Six Nations 2025
Rugby

Ireland's Gritty Victory Over Wales Keeps Grand Slam Dream Alive in Six Nations 2025

Ireland narrowly defeats Wales 27-18 to secure the Triple Crown and stay on track for a historic third consecutive Six Nations title.

Six Nations Clash: Scotland's Finn Russell Cleared to Face England in Historic Calcutta Cup
Rugby

Six Nations Clash: Scotland's Finn Russell Cleared to Face England in Historic Calcutta Cup

Scotland's Finn Russell has been declared fit to start against England in the Six Nations, aiming for a record fifth Calcutta Cup win, despite Darcy Graham's absence.

Super Rugby Pacific Week 2: Key Matchups and Player Insights
Rugby

Super Rugby Pacific Week 2: Key Matchups and Player Insights

Explore the thrilling Week 2 of Super Rugby Pacific with in-depth analysis, key player matchups, and expert predictions for this week's rugby showdowns.

Load More