AFTER a stellar 15-year career as a professional with both Munster and Ireland, Dave Kilcoyne has announced his retirement from rugby.
One of only 15 players to have reached the 200-cap landmark for Munster, loosehead prop Kilcoyne (36) scored 22 tries in 220 appearances for his province and also earned over 50 caps for Ireland.
He won the URC with Munster a couple of years ago and the Grand Slam with Ireland in 2023.
He learned his trade with Ardscoil Rís and UL Bohemians.
Announcing his retirement, Kilcoyne said: “Growing up living in Limerick, my dream was always to play for Munster and Ireland. To have done so for so long has been a dream come true.”
“The last two years haven’t gone as planned with surgeries to my shoulder and Achilles. In a way, it’s easier that the decision to play on has been taken away from me,” he said.
“I take great pride in knowing that I always gave everything I had and left nothing on the pitch. It’s almost a fitting way for me to finish up.”
Kilcoyne added: “I’m extremely excited for what the next chapter brings and using all the skills and life lessons that my rugby career has given me. “I am just about to finish a Professional Diploma in Aircraft Leasing and Finance and hope to graduate in the summer.”
Munster coach Ian Costello stated: “We knew ‘Killer’ had the potential to be a fantastic player for Munster and Ireland when he came into our Academy in 2010.”
“He certainly fulfilled that potential and to have played a combined 276 games for Munster and Ireland is an outstanding achievement. Along with being a quality player, he is a great character and will be sorely missed around the HPC (High Performance Centre).”
