Tommy started in Clanwilliam FC & then lined out for UL Bohemian RFC in the AIL before he made his Munster debut against Scarlets in 2007 as a 20-year-old Academy player & then went on to make 186 Munster appearances since his debut and earned 13 caps for Ireland. Tommy was named as Greencore Munster Rugby Academy Player of the Year in 2009 and Munster Rugby’s Player of the Year in 2013, he also featured in two 6 Nations-
winning campaigns for Ireland.

Despite suffering his fair share of injury setbacks over the seasons, most notably a hip dislocation that kept him out of contention for the 2015 World Cup, dogged determination always saw O’Donnell return fitter, stronger and hungrier from everything thrown his way. Tommy was so very generous with his time outside of training and playing to help out at the club with speaking to the next generation players and guest coaching from underage, women’s and then officially joining our mens senior coaching set up last season and we are looking forward to seeing more of Tommy going forward.

O’Donnell turns 34 next month and confirming the news, said:

“It has been the greatest honour and privilege to represent Munster Rugby for the past 14 seasons. I feel it is the right time for me and my family to step away from rugby and this season will be my last. I’m proud to know that I will retire as a one-club man. I am confident and content in my decision, having chased the dream from the age of 16 through the youths, underage and academy systems to represent Munster and Ireland. While it is not the end just yet and I’m very much looking forward to contributing to the team in the final part of the season and new competition ahead, I felt the time was right
to make my intentions to retire known. My family and I are looking forward to the new chapter ahead. My passion and belief in Munster Rugby will always remain unwavering. I look forward to looking on as a supporter and bringing my boys to experience the magic of a packed Thomond Park in the years to come.”