Dave Kilcoyne announces retirement after injury-hit campaigns

May 7, 2025

Munster forward Dave Kilcoyne has announced he will hang up his boots and retire at the end of the season.

The 36-year-old has won 56 caps for Ireland, with his crowning achievement being winning the Grand Slam in 2023. He has battled injuries over the last two years, with his final appearance coming in December.

Kilcoyne has featured 220 times for Munster after making his debut in 2011, being one of just 15 players to make over 200 appearances for his province. He also featured in two World Cups for his country.

He said in a statement: “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 on my shoulder and achilles. In a way, it’s easier that the decision to play on has been taken away from me.

“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.

“I am just about to finish a Professional Diploma in Aircraft Leasing and Finance and hope to graduate in the summer. I’m extremely excited for what the next chapter brings.”

A club statement added: “Dave Kilcoyne has confirmed that he is retiring from professional rugby after an outstanding 15-year career with Munster and Irish Rugby.

“One of only 15 players to have reached the 200-cap landmark for Munster, Kilcoyne scored 22 tries in 220 appearances for his province and also earned 56 caps for Ireland.

“He made nine appearances at the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cups and won the URC with Munster and the Grand Slam with Ireland in 2023.”

Kilcoyne is just the latest name to announce his retirement from Munster. Peter O’Mahoney and Stephen Archer will follow suit, while Conor Murray will also leave the club at the end of the season.