Munster have confirmed that Kiwi first-five eighth Tyler Bleyendaal will retire from professional rugby with immediate effect, due to a neck injury.
The 29-year-old last lined out for the province against Ospreys in November 2019 and has been advised to retire from professional rugby on medical grounds.
Bleyendaal made 62 appearances after making his Munster debut against Benetton in September 2015. Primarily playing first-five, he also lined out at second-five, captained the side on eleven occasions, scored five tries and kicked 352 points.
A former New Zealand U20s player, Bleyendaal joined the province from the Crusaders in late January 2015. It was during the 2016/17 season that supporters saw the full extent of his capabilities as he started in 25 of his 27 appearances, picked up four man-of-the-match awards and was instrumental in guiding the province to the Champions Cup and PRO12 semifinals.