 Connolly made his Ireland debut against Scotland in 1998 |
Gary Connolly will play for Ireland in the European Nations Cup before deciding whether to retire. The former Wigan, St Helens and Leeds star is considering ending his 18-year career after finishing the season with relegated Super League side Widnes.
"I'll play for Ireland and then see how I feel," said the 34-year-old former Great Britain international, who has also had stints in rugby union.
"There are one or two options open to me but I've not made my mind up."
Connolly, who began his distinguished career with home-town club St Helens in 1988-89, won 31 Test caps from 1991 to 2003, when he scored his first-ever try for Great Britain against Australia.
He also played four times for England before making his Ireland debut in a 17-10 victory over Scotland in Glasgow in 1998.
"Playing for Ireland is something I enjoy doing," said Connolly. "There is a good craic and they have a good team."
Ireland, who lost to England in last year's final, have a warm-up match against Cumbria at Whitehaven on 16 October before playing their first European Nations game against Wales at Bridgend a week later.
They also meet Wales in Dublin as they bid to reach the final in Carcassonne on 6 November.
If Connolly decides to retire, he will bow out alongside another former Lions international Barrie McDermott, the Leeds prop who is also playing for Ireland.
MMIX
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