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Ulster centre Darren Cave has announced he is going to retire at the end of the season.
31-year-old Cave made his provincial debut in 2007 and has since made 225 appearances, as well as earning 11 caps for Ireland.
But Cave will hang his boots up at the end of the season, and he announced his decision via an open letter released by Ulster.
It reads: “Many people have contributed massively to help me along this journey, far too many to name. Thank you to my friends, coaches, medical staff, S&C staff and all the other staff and management at Ulster Rugby behind the scenes that gave me the opportunity to be the best player, and person, that I could be. I’ve no idea how many teammates I’ve had over the years but thank you to all of them, it’s been an absolute pleasure. I have made some friends for life.
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“This is a really exciting group to be a part of and I’m determined to give everything so that we can finish the season on a high. Beyond that, I can’t wait to put my feet up and watch Ulster Rugby win trophies over the coming years.
“Whilst I’m proud of my achievements, more than anything else I’m grateful that my family sacrificed so much to let me pursue this crazy dream that I could play rugby for Ulster and Ireland. I really don’t know how I’m supposed to put my gratitude into words for how much my dad Brian and my mum Ruth have done for me over the years. Not to mention my older brother Stuart, who taught me how to go ‘toe to toe’ wrestling in the back garden from a young age. Who’d have thought it would have been such a valuable lesson.
“My amazing wife Helen has had to play second fiddle to rugby since we first met. We are expecting our first born in July, and if the love and support she has shown me over the years is anything to go by, I’m looking forward to watching her become an amazing mum.
“I genuinely believe Ulster fans are the greatest fans in the world, and not just because I was brought up as one. Over the last 13 years the lows have been low, but the highs have been higher, and most importantly, the terraces have always been full, the voices have been loud and you’ve always been there for me and the team.
“Thank you so much.”
On Cave's retirement, Ireland and Ulster captain Rory Best said: "Cavey and I have played together for over a decade, so he is a player and person who I know very well and have great respect for.
“His career will be remembered for the big performances he produced when we needed them most, and also for the passion and commitment he demonstrated in the process.
“It’s no surprise that he’s a popular member of the squad and a favourite among the Ulster supporters.”
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