Farewell - 12 rugby stars who called it a day in 2013

Ronan O’Gara’s retirement was expected but Leinster fans were shocked when Isa Nacewa headed back to New Zealand.

WHEN COMPILING A list of the top rugby stars that have hung up their boots, it was hard to look beyond two players that gave so much to their provinces.

At the tender age of 31, Leinster’s Isa Nacewa returned to New Zealand while Munster and Ireland legend Ronan O’Gara kicked the last of his 2,560 career points against Clermont in April.

Here’s 12 players, including the interprovincial rivals, that called it a day in 2013:

Farewell - 12 rugby stars who called it a day in 2013

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Joy Neville
The inspirational back-row retired after playing a key role in Ireland's Grand Slam success this year.Source: Â©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
Geordan Murphy
Capped 78 times for Ireland and a hero of the Leicester Tigers faithful.Source: Darren Kidd
Felipe Contepomi
The former Leinster out-half hung up his playing boots after this year's rugby Championship with Argentina.Source: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland
Eoin O'Malley
The talented Leinster centre was forced to retire after a recurring knee injury.Source: ©INPHO/James Crombie
Marcus Horan
The prop (right), celebrates Heineken Cup success with John Hayes and Jerry Flannery in 2008.Source: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland
Isa Nacewa
The New Zealander, who appeared once for Fiji, was pivotal in Leinster's climb to the top in European rugby.Source: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland
Ronan O'Gara
The Munster out-half was capped 128 times for Ireland and won the Grand Slam in 2009.Source: Â©INPHO/James Crombie
Doug Howlett
The New Zealander scored 35 tries in 114 appearances, over six seasons, with Munster.Source: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
Andrew Hore
The All Blacks hooker has been linked to a move to Munster despite retiring in November.Source: ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne
Andrea Lo Cicero
The Italian retired from the international scene in style after overcoming Ireland.Source: ©INPHO/Billy Stickland