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Ben Brady/INPHO

Munster's Simon Zebo to retire at the end of the season

The Cork man is the province’s record try-scorer, having made his debut in 2010.

SIMON ZEBO WILL retire from rugby at the end of the season. 

The Corkman is Munster’s record try-scorer, with 72 in 173 appearances to date. He made his Munster debut in 2010, just after his 20th birthday. Since then he has also represented Racing 92, Ireland and the British & Irish Lions.

“After much thought, I’ve decided that this season will be my last playing the game I love,” 34-year-old Zebo said.  

“It has been a dream come true, making memories and friends for life and travelling the world with amazing people.

“A huge thank you to my family, friends, teammates, coaches and supporters – without ye none of this would have been possible. I am truly grateful for all the love and support over the years.

“I’ve loved every second, it’s been some craic and I can’t wait to see what’s next.” 

Zebo’s 35 Champions Cup tries are more than any other Irish player and he is third on the all-time list for tries in the competition.

His rugby talents were first on display for PBC and Cork Constitution, winning a Pinergy Munster Schools Senior Cup in 2007 and two All Ireland Leagues in 2008 and 2010.

A fans’ favourite, he made his Munster debut as an Academy player in 2010 and helped Munster to the Magners League title the following season.

His Ireland debut followed in 2012 and he went on to score seven tries in 35 caps for his country, winning the Six Nations in 2015 and also featuring in that year’s World Cup.

He made three appearances for the British & Irish Lions in 2013 and departed Munster for Racing 92 in 2018 after scoring 60 tries in 144 appearances. He scored 25 tries in 60 appearances for the French club over three seasons.

Zebo returned to Munster in 2021 and has scored 13 tries in 29 appearances over the past three seasons, helping Munster to the URC title last year.

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    Mute Ollie Fitzpatrick
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    May 21st 2024, 1:38 PM

    Good luck Simon, thanks for the memories and your many many tries. Enjoy your retirement.
    From a true blue Leinster supporter!!

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    Mute Thesaltyurchin
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    May 21st 2024, 1:14 PM

    Munsters all time top try scorer. Cheer bai

    109
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    Mute Sean Money
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    May 21st 2024, 1:19 PM

    A great warrior who served munster proud. Better than driscol or sexton by miles.

    62
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    Mute Paul Brown
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    May 21st 2024, 1:33 PM

    @Sean Money:

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    Mute P. J.
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    May 21st 2024, 1:45 PM

    @Sean Money:
    When next you go fishing…..
    Try find better bait

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    Mute Thesaltyurchin
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    May 21st 2024, 1:51 PM

    @P. J.: those Mackerel heads are well rotton in fairness.

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    Mute Sean Money
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    May 21st 2024, 5:00 PM

    @P. J.: don’t be such a fish head

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    Mute Dav Westby
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    May 21st 2024, 7:48 PM

    @Sean Money: not fit to tie their boots they were world class

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    Mute Gearoid MacEachaidh
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    May 21st 2024, 3:38 PM

    Zebo in his prime would have excelled in the current Irish set up. This Leinster man wishes him well

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    Mute Matt Rogers
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    May 21st 2024, 3:51 PM

    One of the very few who seemed to actually enjoy life and playing rugby and it showed on and off the pitch. He will be missed.

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    Mute Joe Lynch
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    May 21st 2024, 4:19 PM

    Fantastic player, a Munster and Ireland legend.

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    Mute Alan
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    May 21st 2024, 4:21 PM

    @Joe Lynch: true, a living bell end

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    Mute Lulu
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    May 21st 2024, 5:59 PM

    @Alan: Said Anal Alan .

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    Mute Thomas Meaney
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    May 22nd 2024, 5:48 PM

    @Alan: is your life really sad? Talk to someone. A problem shared is a problem halved. Life isn’t that bad friend. We’re here to help your sad life.

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    Mute Alan
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    May 21st 2024, 2:42 PM

    Always a top sprinter….towards the nearest camera. Most photographed player ever for Munster.

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    Mute Joe Kelly
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    May 22nd 2024, 6:53 AM

    @Alan: what about Rob carney. Still in front of cameras

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    Mute Fidgenti
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    May 22nd 2024, 10:01 AM

    @Alan: Bitter little knobjockey aren’t you? Do you feel that way about everyone who’s having a much better life than you, or is it just Zebo that twinges your loser nerve?

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    Mute Robert Halvey
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    May 21st 2024, 2:25 PM

    A true lad who gave his own walk his name , live long and and always know you played

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    Mute Jb Walshe
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    May 21st 2024, 6:31 PM

    It was always nice to watch him playing,best of luck for the future

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    Mute Dermot
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    May 21st 2024, 1:41 PM

    Z

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    Mute CP
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    May 21st 2024, 1:59 PM

    @Dermot: ebo

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    Mute Suzanne Phelan
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    May 21st 2024, 7:30 PM

    What a season this man has had. South Africa was amazing. Congratulations and best wishes for the future.

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    Mute William Kelly
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    May 21st 2024, 8:43 PM

    Fab player & person, best wishes for the future

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    Mute Batster
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    May 21st 2024, 3:36 PM

    TikTok’s gain

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