What else is there left to say about Ulster’s retiring captain Rory Best?

The 36-year-old will bid farewell to the game that has engulfed his life after Ireland’s World Cup campaign meaning every game he plays for Ulster could be his last.

Born into a lineage of Ulster history, Best’s older brother Simon was already on the books when Rory made his debut back in 2004 but the younger sibling has gone on to make an even bigger impact on rugby in the area.

Ulster’s 2005-06 title success remains the jewel in Best’s domestic rugby crown and how he would love go out on a high by making it to the final of this year’s competition.

Best’s name will also be woven into international rugby with the hooker claiming four Six Nations winners medals over the years, including a 2018 Grand Slam title as captain of his country. He also led Ireland on their first-ever win over New Zealand, and later the first win over the All Blacks on Irish soil to write his name into Irish rugby history.

He will hang up his boots as Ulster’s most capped international player of all time with 116 appearances to his name and he will be hoping to add to that tally, and his trophy cabinet, at the World Cup.

“In my 15 years at this brilliant club, I have been lucky to have met, played alongside, been coached by and supported by many great people, and I would like to thank every individual for the time they have invested in me since 2004,” said Best.

“I grew up supporting Ulster Rugby, have been fortunate to play and captain Ulster Rugby, and now look forward to supporting Ulster Rugby in the future with my family.

“I am very excited for the end of the season and for the upcoming World Cup with Ireland – both of which I hope to finish with a massive high, playing at the top of my game.

“This feels like the right time for me to go out on my terms, a luxury for which I feel very privileged.”

And Ulster operations director Bryn Cunningham was full of the highest praise for Best when he announced his plans to retire earlier this year.

“No player representing Ulster Rugby has had a more profound impact in the professional era than Rory,” said Cunningham, who played for Ulster for more than a decade.

“When Rory enters the room, everyone waits for his words. On the training pitch, he demands high standards at all times.

“Rory’s ability to not only stay at the top, but also fight his way through adversity, shows the strength of character he possesses.

“Rory will justifiably go down as one of the greatest legends of Ulster and Irish Rugby”.

Ulster have named their squad for the semi-final clash with Glasgow Warriors, in which Stuart Hogg will play his last game at Scotstoun, and Best will captain the side as they go in search of a farewell piece of silverware.

But whether they win or lose Best is convinced that now is the right time to bring the curtain down on what has been an incredible career.

“The decision to retire no matter at what stage of your career is very difficult, but when you’ve been somewhere for 15 years and given a lot to the club it’s a really, really tough decision,” he added.

“For me it just feels like the right time. When you get to this stage in your career you want to make sure you leave a place and you can walk out the front door and hold your head high and say, ‘I went out on my terms.’

“This feels like the right time to do that.”