Record-breaking Munster prop Stephen Archer to retire
Munster stalwart Stephen Archer is to retire at the end of the season.
The 37-year-old tighthead prop is the only Munster player to have made over 300 appearances for the club.
Archer, capped twice by Ireland in 2013, joined the Munster academy in 2007 and made his professional debut two years later.
The Cork Con man played a central role in Munster's URC title success in 2023 with a number of outstanding performances at the business end of the season, making 15 appearances over the campaign.
Archer, who also won the Celtic League title in 2011, became Munster's most-capped player of all time against Leinster in November 2023, eclipsing Donncha O'Callaghan's record of 268.
He said: "When I made my first Munster appearance in 2009, it was a dream come true. To still be playing 16 years on as Munster's most-capped player is fairly surreal and something I'm very proud of.
"Playing for Ireland was a huge honour and something I will always remember as a standout moment in my career.
"In all the Munster dressing rooms I've been a part of, there has always been a great bond between the players.
"I used to enjoy having the craic with the older players when I came in and now I'm the older player having the craic with the younger fellas. That's always been the way in Munster.
"That team bond is what I will miss most.
"I've shared the dressing room with special team-mates and we've had some of the world's best coaches – I have a lot to thank them for.
"I'd like to thank my parents and siblings for their support and encouragement over the years.
"I'd also like to thank the Munster supporters, I think the majority appreciate my effort and work ethic and I'm grateful to them for that.
"Most importantly, I'd like to give a massive thanks to my wife Kelly, she has sacrificed a lot to allow me concentrate on rugby for all these years and that is something I will always be grateful for."
An All-Ireland League winner with Cork Con in 2010, Archer won his first senior Ireland cap as a replacement against Italy in the 2013 Six Nations in Rome, with his second against Australia in the Guinness Series later that year.
Head of Rugby Operations and interim head coach Ian Costello said: "Archie has made a massive contribution to the province since joining the Academy in 2007 and is a hugely popular member of the squad.
"To have enjoyed such longevity in the game and played so many games for Munster shows his quality as a player but also his dedication, perseverance and character as a person.
"We are delighted that he's going out on his own terms and to have reached the 300-cap landmark is an incredible achievement that may never be matched.
"He has had brilliant support from his family and I'm sure everyone at Cork Constitution, CBC and UCC are very proud of his achievements in the game.
"We'll miss Archie but wish him, his wife Kelly and all his family the very best for the future."
Munster are currently ninth in the URC table with two games, against Ulster and Benetton, left in the regular season.
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