Chloe Pearse Announces Provincial Retirement

Chloe Pearse has today announced her retirement from provincial rugby after a superb 10-year career for Munster which saw her earn 37 caps.

Pearse began her playing career as a 13-year-old in St. Mary’s RFC before going on to play for Shannon RFC and finally UL Bohemian RFC.

With the Red Robins, Pearse would win a number of Women’s All Ireland League titles and most recently, she captained the side in both 2024 and 2025 where they won their first back-to-back titles since 2018.

The back-rower made her Munster debut against Connacht in 2015 where she came on as a replacement. In that debut season, she would go on to help Munster win an 11th Women’s Interprovincial title.

Pearse earned her first start in the red of Munster the following season as she packed down in the second row against Ulster.

She has won five interprovincial titles with the province, captaining the side in 2018, 2019 and 2024, and has totted up a total of 37 caps.

Pearse also played her part in two historic games against the Barbarians in 2017 and 2023.

Chloe has shared some memorable moments in red, the most important one happening in 2023, having defeated Leinster Chloe’s teammate and partner Clodagh O’Halloran asked her the all important question on the hallowed turf in Virgin Media Park. The couple went on to tie the knot earlier this summer, before an impressive interprovincial campaign.

Pearse made her debut for Ireland as a replacement in 2016 in a November Test match against England. She’d then go on to earn a further six caps and score one try.

Speaking about her illustrious career, former teammate, friend and now coach Niamh Briggs said:

“I’m incredibly proud of Chloe, of the person, player and leader she has become through her time with Munster.

“From the first day I met Chloe, her competitive edge and the standards she demanded from herself and others around her set her apart immediately.

“She has continued to evolve, grow and develop over her career and epitomised all the traits we associate with Munster players.

“Chloe’s leadership was never more evident over this past summer as she selflessly brought so many young players along with her knowing that this was her last Interprovincial Series, she showed them the Munster way!

“Chloe’s legacy in Munster will last for many years to come.”

Munster Rugby would like to thank Chloe for her dedication to the red jersey throughout her career and we wish her all the best for her future.