Guest Retires After Hugely Successful Career

Laura Guest today announced that she is retiring from rugby after a long and illustrious career.

The 29-year-old led Munster to her tenth Interprovincial title at the weekend and has decided that the time is right to hang up her boots.

“Saturday was my last game ever. I’m retiring from club, provincial and international rugby,” said Guest.

“I had a good idea before the Interpros that I was going to finish playing. I feel very fortunate and very privileged to have played on so many great sides.

“I always wanted to finish on my own terms and I felt that now was a natural end to a cycle.

“I’d hate to think if we hadn’t won on Saturday that I might have to go again but I think it’s a good time to move on,” she added.

The Highfield clubwoman won an incredible 10 Interprovincial titles in 13 years with Munster and played 36 times for Ireland.

She represented her country in three World Cups, reaching the semi-final in France over the summer, and played on the Ireland side that won the historic 6 Nations and Grand Slam title in 2013.

Originally from Templebryan in West Cork, Guest began her rugby career with local club Clonakilty aged 16 where she started out in the out-half position.

She then went on to play senior women's rugby with Limerick side Shannon before moving to Highfield in 2010 where she claimed the Munster Cup and All Ireland Cup.

A keen golfer and member of the Lee Valley Golf Club, Guest also received the West Cork Sports Star of the Year award in 2013 off the back of her Six Nations success.

Munster Branch President Mick Goggin presents Laura Guest with the Interprovincial trophy on Saturday. Credit: Inpho