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London - Leicester and Ireland fullback Geordan Murphy announced on Tuesday he will retire from professional rugby at the end of the season.
The 35-year-old, dubbed the "George Best of rugby" by former Leicester coach Dean Richards in a flattering comparison to the Northern Irish football great, won 72 caps for his country.
However, Murphy - a veteran of more than 320 appearances for the English Premiership giants - has been troubled by a knee injury this season.
"I think it is the right time to go," Murphy told the thisisleicestershire.co.uk website ahead of the Tigers' Premiership playoff clash against Harlequins this weekend.
Murphy, renowned for his handling ability, is expected to stay on at Welford Road as a skills specialist.
