Munster are losing another experienced forward with James Cronin to depart at the end of the season.
Prop Cronin, 30, has made 142 appearances for the Reds since making his debut against Leinster in April 2013.
He made more starts than ever for the province in this campaign - but is heading to pastures new when the Rainbow Cup ends for Munster.
Cronin said: “It’s with great regret that I announce my time with Munster Rugby will end this summer.
"It’s been a dream of mine to represent my province since I threw on my first jersey as a 6-year-old kid and I take great pride in knowing I’ve represented my province 142 times and my country on three occasions.
“I have made many life-long friends in my time playing here and have learnt so much from some great men, most notably the late Garrett Fitzgerald and Anthony Foley, and I thank everyone that I’ve worked with from my days in the sub academy to the current day.
“I want to say a special thanks to my family and friends who have always been with me for the highs, but also the lows, that come with professional rugby. To all the Munster fans also a big thank you.
“I’m excited for my next rugby chapter and giving everything like I have done in my career so far.”
Munster head coach Johann van Graan was already losing CJ Stander, Billy Holland and Tommy O'Donnell to retirement at the end of the season.
It will be a blow to lose an Ireland international prop in Cronin, who earned his three caps - including two in the Six Nations - between 2014 and '16.
Cronin was at the centre of controversy last year when it emerged he tested positive for prednisolone, a synthetic steroid, and prednisone after the Champions Cup match against Racing 92 at Thomond Park in November 2019, resulting in a one month ban
It was ruled that a mix-up at a Cork pharmacy resulted in him collecting the medication on Wada’s prohibited list that was meant for another James Cronin.
Van Graan reacted: “We are very thankful to James for everything he has done for Munster over his nine-year career with the province.
“It’s always difficult to lose homegrown talent of James’ calibre, someone who has always delivered for his home club.
“This is the unfortunate side of professional sport and the current environment we find ourselves in as we are unable to retain the services of a player of his quality.
“We wish James all the best for the future."
