Ulster full-back Bryn Cunningham retires after injuries

Byrn Cunningham won the European Cup with Ulster in 1999

Ulster full-back Bryn Cunningham has retired after a series of persistent injuries in the past 15 months.

The 32-year-old, capped over 150 times by Ulster, was part of the European Cup winning squad of 1999 alongside his older brother Jan.

"Ravenhill is like home, I love the place, the supporters, and everything about it," said Cunningham.

"Having to make the decision to end my rugby career is the hardest thing I've ever had to do."

Cunningham made his Ulster debut against Wasps in 1997, aged just 19.

"Since the first game of the Magners League campaign last season, injury has dominated my time as a player," he added.

"Over the past fifteen months I've worked incredibly hard and through considerable pain in order to regain full fitness but unfortunately it wasn't to be.

"Ulster Rugby has been a massive part of my life for the past 13 years - I will miss it dearly and wish everyone still involved in Ulster Rugby the success that they and the club deserve, success which I am sure, is just round the corner. "