NICHOLA FRYDAY HAS confirmed her retirement from international rugby in a lengthy message on social media.
The Ireland captain, who earned 34 caps, will continue with her club, Exeter Chiefs, but has opted to step away from representing her country after seven years of dedicated service.
Fryday led Ireland during the most recent Six Nations campaign, a disappointing tenure that saw them finish bottom of the group and also led to the departure of head coach Greg McWilliams.
The IRFU are continuing their search for his successor and have now been dealt a further blow with the news Fryday has called time on her international career.
The 28-year-old said it was the “natural end”, adding: “My time representing my country will be memories that I cherish for the rest of my life. I have no doubt over the next few years this team will grow to be a force to be reckoned with.”
The IRFU’s Head of Women’s Performance & Pathways, Gillian McDarby, has paid tribute to Fryday’s impact for Ireland.
“Nichola has been an excellent leader and player for the Irish rugby team over the last number of years and we thank her for her incredible service to Irish rugby,” said McDarby.
“We understand and respect Nichola’s decision to step away at this point in her career and appreciate all her efforts in green. She has left an indelible mark on the game in Ireland and wish her well for the next chapter in her career.”
