Gordon D’Arcy will call time on 17-year Leinster and Ireland career after Rugby World Cup 2015

D'Arcy has played 81 times for Ireland and has been included on two British and Irish Lions tours

Gordon D'Arcy will retire form rugby after the World Cup (Getty Images)

Ireland centre Gordon D’Arcy will retire after the World Cup in October. The 35-year-old made the announcement on Friday on the website of his province Leinster, for whom he has played 260 times since 1998.

He also has 81 caps for Ireland, including in three World Cups, and made two tours with the British and Irish Lions.

“I am so proud, fortunate and honoured to have represented my province and country for 17 seasons, but I am leaving on my terms, which is how everyone would wish to end their professional rugby careers,” D’Arcy wrote.

“It is still hard for me to get my head around the fact that I will not be pulling a jersey on again after October.”

D'Arcy celebrates the 2014 Six Nations win alongside centre partner Brian O'Driscoll (Getty Images)

D’Arcy made his international debut in the 1999 World Cup as a replacement against Romania in Dublin but did not establish himself until the 2004 Six Nations, when he and Leinster team-mate Brian O’Driscoll finally came together for Ireland.

The pair went on to take their midfield partnership to a world record 56 starts before O’Driscoll retired after the Six Nations last year.

D’Arcy added: “It has always been an honour to represent my country. I hope to continue that over the coming months and help to achieve something with this very special group of players and staff at the World Cup.

“Leinster will always hold a special place in my heart – my first and only club.

“I will genuinely miss being a Leinster and Irish rugby player. I have loved every moment of it.”

D’Arcy helped Ireland to the 2009 Six Nations Grand Slam, and the title last year. However, he did not make the Irish squad which retained the title this year, and was dropped this season as a starter by Leinster, with whom he has won three European Cups and four Celtic Leagues.