Simon Zebo, 34-year-old rugby player, has declared his intentions of retiring from the sport at the season’s finale, referring to his professional journey as a “dream realised.” Playing as a back for Munster, Ireland and Lions, Zebo has made seven successful tries in his 35 appearances for Ireland, and served in the team that bagged the 2015 Six Nations victory and appeared in that year’s World Cup.
Before leaving Munster in 2018 to join Racing 92, Zebo recorded 60 tries in 144 appearances and furthered his excellent try-scoring track record in Paris, securing 25 tries in 60 games during his three-year stay. Having returned to Munster in 2021, Zebo scored 13 times in his 29 appearances over the last three seasons, significantly contributing to Munster’s URC title win last year. To date, Zebo holds Munster’s highest try scoring record with 72 in his 173 appearances.
In Champions Cup, Zebo’s 35 tries surpass any other player from Ireland, ranking him third in the all-time high score list. His skills were initially showcased when he played for PBC and Cork Constitution, contributing to the winning of 2007 Munster Schools Senior Cup and two All-Ireland Leagues in 2008 and 2010.
Zebo first donned the Munster jersey as an academy player in 2010 and was a key player in the Magners League Championship win next season. It was 2012 when he debuted in Ireland.
Sharing his emotions on his decision to retire, Zebo acknowledged the love and support he received from family, friends, teammates, coaches, and fans. Lamenting his impending retirement, Zebo referred to his career as exhilarating and expressed anticipation for his future.