ULSTER ACE CHRIS CALLS IT A DAY

ULSTER stalwart Chris

Henry confirmed his retirement yesterday in trademark fashion - with unflappable honesty, efficiency and no little modesty.

The 24-times capped Ireland flanker, currently in his testimonial year, said he made the difficult decision “after a great deal of thought and discussions with family and friends”.

“Now is the right time to retire from the game I love,” he added. “No matter how much I would love to finish the season, my career has taken its toll physically.

“And so for the wellbeing of myself, my loving wife and my family, I will be retiring immediately.”

Henry’s departure brings the curtain down on 10 years of Ulster service during which he won 184 caps dating back to his debut against Harlequins in 2009.

The 34-year-old, who made his Ireland debut in 2010 and won the Six Nations four years later (left), famously returned to frontline action after suffering a mini stroke in 2014.

Less than a year after undergoing surgery to repair a hole in his heart, he was lining out for Ireland at the 2015 World Cup.

Henry said: “I am incredibly proud to be a one-club man and the honour of putting on the white and green jerseys is something I will always cherish.

“Like any rugby career, there have been setbacks and knocks, however the incredible highs will forever outweigh the lows.”

Henry, who made his last Ulster appearance in September, thanked his mum, dad, brothers and wife

Jade for “being my biggest fans and believing in me”.

He added: “We sadly lost our father William one month before my first Irish cap but every time I put on the jersey I felt him with me.”

Ulster team-mate Chris Gilroy tweeted: “One of the nicest and most welcoming guys when I first starting playing for Ulster.

“You have been through the wringer at times but always bounced back with a smile on your face! All the best Chadler and congrats on a fantastic career.”