Denis Leamy has been forced to retire from rugby due to a persistent hip injury.

The 30-year-old becomes the third Munster player to announce an early retirement this season, following in the footsteps of experienced duo Jerry Flannery and David Wallace.

The back-rower made 144 appearances for the club, playing in the victorious 2006 and 2008 Heineken Cup finals, scoring a try during the latter.

"I find it hard to put into words how much it has meant to me to play for Munster and Ireland. It was a dream come true and I was very lucky to play with some of the greatest players ever to wear the jerseys and feel blessed that I was part of winning teams," said Leamy.

"I've had a great career, wish it had gone on a little longer but I'd like to thank all the coaches, players, medical staff and management who have helped me over the past decade. It's been a great honour to be involved with such an outstanding group of people.

"I'd also like to thank the fans most sincerely. I fully appreciate the sacrifices they've made, spending their hard earned cash to cheer us on, be it Munster or Ireland, at home games and all over Europe. Their support has been truly fantastic and a memory I'll carry forever."

Leamy also had an illustrious career internationally, being capped 57 times for Ireland during which time he won the 2009 Grand Slam, two Triple Crowns and played in two World Cups.