Former Ireland star Claire Molloy calls time on playing career

The qualified doctor stepped back from international rugby in 2021 but had continued playing with Wasps before she joined Bristol two years ago.

A former inter-county footballer with Galway, Molloy made her Ireland debut in 2009. She went on to win 74 caps and played a key role in some of the most memorable days in Irish rugby, including being part of the 2013 Grand Slam-winning team and reaching the World Cup semi-final in 2014.

She was part of the 2015 Six Nations-winning team before she went on to captain Ireland during the 2017 World Cup.

A fearless, abrasive, all-action flanker, Molloy was an outstanding operator whose commitment to her country was remarkable given she regularly juggled rugby with her medical studies abroad.

Molloy helped Bristol make their first Premiership final in the season just ended, and while they came up short to Gloucester-Hartpury, she left her mark on the club.

“When Claire wanted to return to finish her career at Bristol, it was something that we were only too happy to accept,” said Bristol boss Dave Ward.

“She has been a massive part of where the women’s game is today.”

Those sentiments reach far beyond Bristol, as Molloy bows out as a modern-day great.