Billy Holland is focused on the tasks still ahead this season rather than on saying goodbye, insists Munster boss Johann van Graan.
Holland, 35, announced yesterday that is to retire at the end of his 14th season in the red jersey.
"Look, I'll always start with the person because this game that we play is about people and a phenomenal man," said van Graan as he paid tribute today.
"I've said that before, an incredible family man and a husband and father, friend to a lot of people and a really great Munster man."
Holland became the second most capped player for the province behind Donncha O'Callaghan when he came off the bench in last weekend's PRO14 victory in Cardiff.
Van Graan continued: "I think respect is one of the word that pops up, integrity, work rate and then example - the example that he sets for others, and that's what this club is about.
"Billy has never been the guy who plays 50 Test matches but he's the guy who turns up every single week for this club and we've got to give credit in that respect.
"He'll be sorely missed but like Billy and I discussed, it's not about goodbyes, it's just an announcement.
"We've still got a big season ahead of us, a PRO14, some games in the Champions Cup and hopefully a Rainbow Cup so still a long way to go in this season for him, but he's an incredible human being."
