By Jim Stokes BBC Sport, Belfast

Ireland's David Humhpreys says careers won't last as long

The 32-year-old Ulsterman says the intense nature of international rugby and the injuries that go with it, will inevitably curtail careers.

Since the onset of professionalism in 1995, rugby has developed from a contact into a collision sport.

"I think injuries and burn out will be more of an issue in the years to come,'' said Humphreys.

He declared: ''I think the younger players playing now will find it an issue, and there will be an issue of burn out.

Players now coming in at the top at say 18 or 20, may be only able to last five or six years David Humphreys

''I'm aware that I'm coming to the end of my career, and I'm still enjoying it very much. I came in at the start of professional when it got off the ground.

''But there is no doubt that the game now changed beyond all recognition, particularly in the last few years.

''The physical intensity of the game at the top level and the physical conditioning now is tremendous.

''Players now coming in at the top at say 18 or 20, may be only able to last five or six years as the body will be taken to the limit,'' said Humphreys, who became a fully-qualified solicitor four years ago.

Humphreys, will again be vying for the Ireland number 10 jersey with his Munster adversary Ronan O'Gara.