Humphreys denies he is to retire

Humphreys is expected to continue with Ulster for another season

David Humphreys has categorically denied that any decision regarding his international future has been made.

A newspaper report said that the Ulster fly-half was to end his Ireland career after the RBS Six Nations Championship.

"Myself and Eddie O'Sullivan agreed that we would talk again after the Six Nations," said Humphreys in a prepared statement issued by the IRFU.

"A report saying I have made a decision is inaccurate. No decision will be made until after the Six Nations."

Humphreys benchmark

Humphreys went on to say that in the meantime, he is totally committed to playing for Ireland and Ulster.

"At this point in time I am concentrating on playing for Ireland and Ulster this weekend and will do so until the end of this season," said the 72-times capped Humphreys.

The Ulsterman is apparently still in discussions with the Irish Rugby Football Union, who offered him a new contract up to the end of the 2007 World Cup.

It is believed, however, that Humphreys will continue to play representative rugby for Ulster next season, which will come as a great relief to the province's coach Mark McCall.

Super 14 side Stormers were one of a number of top sides from around the world who would have gladly taken on Humphreys in the twilight of his career.

But it is now looks certain that he will be staying in Ireland, and primarily north of the border.

While he has, apparently, agreed in principle to stay on with Ulster until the end of the 2007 season, he will not make a definitive decision until next month.

However, it would come as no surprise if Humphreys were to end his international career at the end of the present RBS Six Nations campaign.

He has so far remained extremely quiet on the subject and is reluctant to talk about his future.

However, he may be further encouraged to step down after two un-used roles as a replacement in the Six Nations.