Munster out-half Tyler Bleyendaal has been forced to retire from the sport at the age of just 29.
He’s been advised to quit due to a neck injury sustained in November.
The former New Zealand under-20 international joined Munster from the Crusaders in 2015 and went on to play 62 times for the province.
In a statement, Munster Rugby said Bleyendaal is "known for his cool and measured temperament, his technical know-how and ability to marshal his teammates around the field to facilitate excellent team performances from the men in red".
Head Coach Johann van Graan said: "I saw Tyler for the first time playing for the Crusaders in Super Rugby and he caught my eye immediately.
"It was an absolute privilege to not only coach him but to learn more about him and discover what a fantastic rugby player and man he is. He has played a huge role for Munster Rugby, not only on the field but also off the field, and he will be sorely missed.
“It was a pleasure to coach him, and I believe he has a very bright future ahead, and will do very well if he moves into coaching. I wish Tyler, Laura, Bodhi and their growing family the very best in life."
"I want to thank the Munster supporters, they have been absolutely fantastic."
Tyler Bleyendaal has a message for Munster fans after his enforced retirement was announced this afternoon.#ThanksTyler #SUAF ?— Munster Rugby (@Munsterrugby) May 20, 2020
