AHEAD of Saturday's Champion's Cup clash with Leicester Tigers, Munster tight-head prop John Andress has confirmed his retirement from the game.
Having joined the province at the start of the season, the 32-year-old Belfast man cited the "rigours" of professional rugby as the reason for his decision.
"The time has finally come to announce my retirement from professional rugby," said Andress.
"After 12 seasons I no longer feel that my body is capable of the rigours that the pro game requires. I feel extremely privileged to have been able to live out my childhood dream.
"I am also proud of the fact I played in over 200 pro games for Exeter, Harlequins, Worcester and Edinburgh Rugby."
Meanwhile, as one career ends, another is on the up with the news that Ulster have confirmed that Sam Windsor will be replaced in the senior squad by Ballymena RFC centre Callum Patterson.
Windsor requested an early release from his contract so that he could join his fiancée in America, where he will also play rugby.
Ulster take on Clermont on Sunday in the Champions Cup, hoping to repeat last Saturday's superb win.
"It's fantastic that I've been added to the senior panel as it's something that I've always been trying to achieve," said Patterson.
"I'm somewhat of a late developer, having come through the club game with Ballymena, so it's a great opportunity for me.
Elsewhere, Glasgow head coach Gregor Townsend believes his side will have to play even better against Racing 92 if they are to repeat last week's historic win.
Warriors sprang a major surprise when they toppled the reigning French champions 23-14 in their European Champions Cup clash in Paris.
They are now looking to do the double and boost their chances of reaching the knockout stages for the first time in the club's history when they host the Top 14 giants at Scotstoun tonight.
But Townsend - who will hand forward Josh Strauss his 100th Glasgow appearance against Racing - is worried his side's opponents may have worked out the Scots after their shock defeat.
He said: "Both teams will know each other better and the players will have more of an understanding of each other of what is required to win.
"Racing 92 are a quality side and played some excellent rugby against us last weekend. We've got to ensure that we deliver an even better performance against them tomorrow.
Strauss will complete his century of appearances for Warriors from the kick-off this time after starting last week's Pool 1 clash on the bench.
His inclusion at the expense of injured Italy international Simone Favaro is the only change to Townsend's starting XV following that famous victory - arguably the finest ever by a Scottish club on foreign soil.
That means centre Alex Dunbar and scrum-half Ali Price - who scored both of Glasgow's tries in the French capital - retain their places.
Stuart Hogg continues at full-back with Tommy Seymour and Lee Jones on the wings, while Dunbar links up with Sam Johnson in midfield.
Last week's Man of the Match Finn Russell returns at stand-off while In the pack Gordon Reid, Fraser Brown and Zander Fagerson pack down in the front-row, with Tim Swinson and captain Jonny Gray in the engine room.
The back-row sees Strauss come in at number eight, as Ryan Wilson switches to openside flanker. Rob Harley starts again on the blindside.
