Ireland captain Paul O'Connell has revealed that he could retire either after this year's World Cup or in the summer of 2016.

In an interview with TV3, the Munster second row hinted that his retirement date was drawing close.

"It's either going to be after the World Cup or the summer of 2016," said the 35-year-old.

However, he also said that he is still undecided about when he will call it a day.

"I think I'm in good shape at the moment and I think I'll be in good shape at the World Cup. It doesn't mean I'll keep on playing. It's just a decision I have to make probably in the next few months. But I'm fairly undecided at the moment."

O'Connell's contract with the IRFU runs out in 2016.