DUBLIN, Feb 25 (Reuters) - Ireland prop Simon Best announced his retirement on Monday after doctors told him to avoid intense training because of a heart complaint that forced him out of last year's World Cup.
The 30-year-old Ulster player was taken ill during the tournament in September and was diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat.
"It is with great sadness that I am forced to retire from the game at this stage in my career," Best said in a statement on the Irish Rugby Football Union's (IRFU) Web site (www.irishrugby.ie).
"However, I have no regrets and feel immensely proud and privileged to have represented both Ulster and Ireland for the past nine years."
Best, who has captained Ulster and also the national team during a tour to Argentina last year, was capped 23 times.
The episode did not recur or have any long-term effect and has not been attributed to playing rugby, but doctors advised him against resuming the level of training necessary for the professional game, the IRFU said. (Reporting by Andras Gergely; Editing by Sonia Oxley)
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