PAUL O’Connell, the former Ireland captain, has been forced to retire from rugby because of injury. The 36-year-old lock, one of Ireland’s greatest ever players, retired from the international game after last year’s Rugby World Cup, having won 108 caps for his country as well as seven for the British and Irish Lions.

O’Connell hoped to keep on playing at club level and signed a two-year contract with Toulon, but the severe hamstring injury he got at the World Cup has led to his retirement from all rugby on medical advice. He was never able to play for the French club.

“It is with deep regret that I have decided to retire from professional rugby following medical advice,” O'Connell said yesterday. “Since sustaining the injury at the World Cup I have been fully focused on returning to fitness and starting an exciting new chapter for both myself and my family in Toulon. Unfortunately this will no longer be possible.”

Meanwhile, Phil Burleigh has re-signed for Edinburgh, agreeing a two-year deal. The 29-year-old from New Zealand is primarily a stand-off, but can also play at centre - a position he is likely to find himself in more often next season once Duncan Weir arrives from Glasgow Warriors.

“I’m loving my time here,” said Burleigh, who has become the 11th Edinburgh player to sign a new contract. “I see a good future for Edinburgh Rugby and I want to be part of it.”

The dates and kick-off times of PRO12 matches for the rest of the season have been announced. Glasgow’s home game against Cardiff Blues will now start at 2.30pm on Sunday 6 March, while their game against Zebre in Italy, postponed from January to accommodate the rescheduled Champions Cup tie with Racing 92, will be on Friday 8 April.