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Retirements

Farewell - 12 rugby stars who called it a day in 2013

Ronan O’Gara’s retirement was expected but Leinster fans were shocked when Isa Nacewa headed back to New Zealand.

WHEN COMPILING A list of the top rugby stars that have hung up their boots, it was hard to look beyond two players that gave so much to their provinces.

At the tender age of 31, Leinster’s Isa Nacewa returned to New Zealand while Munster and Ireland legend Ronan O’Gara kicked the last of his 2,560 career points against Clermont in April.

Here’s 12 players, including the interprovincial rivals, that called it a day in 2013:

Farewell - 12 rugby stars who called it a day in 2013
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  • Adrian Flavin and Johnny O'Connor

    Connacht Rugby said goodbye to two stalwarts this year.Source: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland
  • Joy Neville

    The inspirational back-row retired after playing a key role in Ireland's Grand Slam success this year.Source: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
  • Geordan Murphy

    Capped 78 times for Ireland and a hero of the Leicester Tigers faithful.Source: Darren Kidd
  • Felipe Contepomi

    The former Leinster out-half hung up his playing boots after this year's rugby Championship with Argentina.Source: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland
  • Eoin O'Malley

    The talented Leinster centre was forced to retire after a recurring knee injury.Source: ©INPHO/James Crombie
  • Marcus Horan

    The prop (right), celebrates Heineken Cup success with John Hayes and Jerry Flannery in 2008.Source: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland
  • Isa Nacewa

    The New Zealander, who appeared once for Fiji, was pivotal in Leinster's climb to the top in European rugby.Source: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland
  • Ronan O'Gara

    The Munster out-half was capped 128 times for Ireland and won the Grand Slam in 2009.Source: ©INPHO/James Crombie
  • Doug Howlett

    The New Zealander scored 35 tries in 114 appearances, over six seasons, with Munster.Source: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
  • Andrew Hore

    The All Blacks hooker has been linked to a move to Munster despite retiring in November.Source: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne
  • Andrea Lo Cicero

    The Italian retired from the international scene in style after overcoming Ireland.Source: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland

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