Rob Kearney has announced that he will play his 'last game of rugby' for the Barbarians, a move which officially brings the curtain down on the most illustrious career in Irish rugby history.
The former Ireland full-back played his last game in a Leinster shirt at the conclusion of the 2020/21 season before embarking on an adventure Down Under, joining up with Perth-based side Western Force in 2021.
Kearney left Western Force in June and made headlines when he returned to his roots and togged out for his local Gaelic football team, Cooley Kickhams.
Throughout the year, Kearney refused to rule out another contract but did concede that another full season of rugby was not likely to transpire.
And he took to his Twitter page to confirm that his appearance in the Barbarians shirt would mark the end of his rugby career.
He said: "It’s always been a dream to play for the Barbarians and what a historic team to play your last game of rugby with, grateful for the opportunity!"
It makes this Saturday's Twickenham showpiece the farewell tribute for Kearney after a stellar career; he twice notched Grand Slam glory with Ireland in 2009 and 2018.
In the intervening years, he claimed Six Nations championships under Joe Schmidt in 2014 and 2015.
He represented Ireland at the World Cup in 2011, 2015 and finally in Japan in 2019.
Kearney also toured with the Lions in both 2009 and 2013.
Kearney heads up a strong Irish contingent representing the Barbarians, with Jack Dunne joining him in the men's squad and Ciara Griffin, Sene Naoupu, Lindsay Peat, Jenny Murphy and Anna Caplice all involved with the women's side.
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