Rugby U: Ireland and Leinster's Eoin Reddan to retire

Eoin Reddan has announced that Saturday's decisive third Test against South Africa will mark the end of his professional rugby union career.

The 35-year-old Leinster scrum-half has decided to quit after the clash with the Springboks in Port Elizabeth this weekend in order to take up an opportunity to work in aviation finance.

Reddan is set to win his 71st and final cap for Ireland at Nelson Mandela Bay and will then turn his attention to hitting the heights in a new career.

He said: "I have been privileged to be part of so many successful teams over the course of my career. To win European and domestic honours with both Wasps and Leinster has been fantastic and to taste Six Nations success with Ireland over the past three seasons has been incredible.

"I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences that professional rugby has provided over the course of my career, but feel that now is the right time to commit to the next chapter of my life and take on a new challenge.  "I have a fantastic opportunity in a dynamic industry that will bring a new set of challenges and opportunities for myself and my family. I am grateful to Leinster and the IRFU for supporting my decision to take up this opportunity."

Reddan captained his country against Georgia two years ago and played his part in the 2014 and 2015 Six Nations triumphs, as well as making 11 World Cup appearances in three tournaments.