Eric Miller has called time on his international career with Ireland with immediate effect. The 30-year-old Leinster flanker will retire from the game entirely at the end of this season.

He won 48 caps for his country and represented Ireland at the 1999 and 2003 World Cups.  Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan said: "Eric has been a magnificent servant to both Leinster and Ireland.

"The first year I coached Eric was at under-21 level where he was hugely influential in Ireland winning its first Triple Crown at that level in 1996. As a testament to his skill and ability at that age, he became a Lion the following year when he toured South Africa.

"In recent years he has been an ever-present in Irish squads, but has been consistently unlucky with injuries, often sustained due to the committed nature in which he plays the game. I wish him every success in his future career plans."

Leinster chief executive Mick Dawson added: "Eric has been a model professional throughout his career.  His departure at the end of this season will leave a big hole in our squad as players of Eric's ability are very hard to replace. I wish him all the best."