Retired.

Munster and Ireland hooker Mike Sherry has announced his immediate retirement from rugby at just 31-years-old.

The Ardscoil Rís man did not have his contract renewed at the end of the season after a loan spell at English Premiership giants Gloucester.

Sherry, who has one Ireland cap to his name, has suffered with a number of injuries over the last few years after a promising start to his career at the southern province.

“It has been an incredible journey, but it is now time to move on to a new chapter in my life,” he said.

The prospect of picking up another contract was something I was very much pursuing, but the longer it went on the more I realised my body was telling me to stop.

“I’ve ignored existing injuries for a long time, but I can no longer do so. The maintenance involved in just being able to train let alone play has taken its toll on my body these last couple of years.”

Sherry has been linked with a coaching role at AIL side Garryowen as he ponders his next career move.