Larkin forced to retire

Adam who joined Ulster Rugby in the 2000-01 season made his debut for the club against Swansea in 2001 and has won 68 caps for Ulster in his seven seasons at Ravenhill, now intends to pursue business interests outside of rugby within the province.

Speaking of his retirement he commented; "With the emergence of promising young talent within the province, combined with the fact that I will be turning 34 in a couple of months and now appear to be spending more time on the physio bed as opposed to the playing field, the time is right for me to step down from the professional game on my terms to pursue ongoing business interests outside of rugby."

"I have enjoyed my time immensely with Ulster rugby over the highs and lows of the past seven seasons. Over this period I have had the opportunity to play with group of highly talented local and international players and coaching staff, sharing experiences I will never forget, backed up by the best support in Europe. I wish all those involved with Ulster Rugby the very best for the future."

Born in Sydney but brought up in New Zealand Adam has played professional club rugby at the highest level over a period of 10 seasons for North Harbour, Bristol, Castres and finally Ulster.

Ulster Rugby Chief Executive Michael Reid said: "Adam came to us in 2000 with some great rugby experience having grown up in New Zealand and having played for Bristol and Castres he settled into the Ulster Squad and the local lifestyle very well. He has been a loyal and hugely reliable member of our squad throughout his seven and a half seasons with Ulster Rugby and on more than one occasion his trusty boot has provided a winning margin, Musgrave Park in Cork against Munster in October 2003 springs to mind. Always the ultimate professional and all round good guy, everyone at Ulster Rugby would like to wish Adam all the best in his future career"