CJ Stander was in tears this evening after he brought the curtain down on his Ireland career with a triumphant victory over England.
The South African back row is hanging up the boots this summer and played his last game for Ireland this evening.
Stander dropped the bombshell earlier in the week by confirming that he will retire from the game when his current contract ends at the end of June.
And as he put in a remarkable shift this evening in the 32-18 victory, Stander was in tears soon after the final whistle as he played his last game in green.
"Everyone put their hand up," said Stander, who added that he'd lost his voice in the effort during the game and in the post-match celebrations.
"The staff, the backroom...for me, I'm very, very grateful, dreams do come true.
"I worked hard for that jersey, and to be in that jersey...the boys made it easy to be in.
"It's been a pleasure for me, from the bottom of my heart thank you for all the messages and kind words, I haven’t got through all of them but it means a lot.
"They’re great people, it's a special team here and things are going to happen (for Ireland) and it’s going to be a privilege to watch them.
"I wanted to give everything for that jersey, I feel with everything that was given to me I needed to perform in the last few years.
"I just wish my family could be here, especially my wife and daughter, and the supporters - the place would have erupted on one of the special days, and I can’t wait for them to come back.
"The team really played for that jersey for everyone who couldn’t be here.
"Thanks from the bottom of my heart, for me I'm looking forward to spending time with my family - and at some stage having a few pints with the supporters."
Stander was one of a number of top Ireland players who were out of contract at the end of this season.
The IRFU have managed to hold on to the rest, including his Munster colleagues Peter O'Mahony and Keith Earls.
It is rumoured that Stander was unhappy with the terms of a proposed new deal but that he also turned down the chance to play club rugby in France when his contract ends.
He will return to the family farm in South Africa at the end of his contract with his wife Jean-Marié and young daughter Everli, stating his desire to bring his family home as a major motivation in his decision to leave Limerick.
