Former Ireland rugby star retires on medical advice

The 33-year-old has taken the decision to "prioritise his mental wellbeing".

Ex-Ireland and Ulster prop Marty Moore has announced his retirement from professional rugby after receiving medical advice to do so.

The 33-year-old earned 10 international caps during Joe Schmidt's tenure as coach of Ireland, and was a member of the Six Nations winning sides of 2014 and 2015.

The Dublin native came through the ranks with Leinster before moving to England to join Wasps in 2016.

He spent two seasons in Coventry before moving to Belfast to join Ulster in 2018.

Over the last six years, Moore made 94 appearances for the province, until a knee injury he sustained against Munster on New Year’s Day in 2023 kept him out for several months.

While he returned to make five appearances for Ulster last campaign, he has now made the decision to hang up his boots.

Tighthead prop, Marty Moore, has confirmed that he will retire from professional rugby on medical advice.

We thank Marty for everything he has given to the shirt over the last six years and for his unwavering commitment to the team 🤍

He will always be part of the Ulster… pic.twitter.com/Zya84I5Tky

— Ulster Rugby (@UlsterRugby) September 23, 2024

Bryn Cunningham, head of rugby operations and recruitment at Ulster, issued a statement on the club's website paying tribute to Moore's "outstanding career".

Cunningham said that Moore made his decision with the "the full support of the club", and added that it was motivated by a need to focus on his well-being.

"I think we can safely say that Ulster saw the best of Marty through a distinguished career where he became a cornerstone of the team.

"We wish Marty, and his family, the best for his future and we will continue to support him in every way possible," he added.

"He can hold his head high as one of the Ulster men who made the province his home and made a huge contribution on the pitch."

Moore's former club Leinster also shared a post acknowledging the tighthead prop's incredible career.

Marty Moore - The Leinster years 💙

🏆 From Captaining the U-20 side to interpro success in 2010
🧢 Making his debut in April 2012
👕 Earning 58 caps in total
🏅 Winning the Pro12 title

Thanks for giving your all in the blue jersey, @ooMARTYMOOREoo 🙌#FromTheGroundUp pic.twitter.com/2XpIQszpSp

— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) September 24, 2024

Ulster's John Andrew spoke to BBC Sport Northern Ireland about Moore's decision, and said he will be a "big miss" to the province.

'He'll be a big miss' 😢

Ulster's John Andrew on the retirement of Marty Moore 🗣 ⤵#BBCRugby pic.twitter.com/7uJs7pYucT

— BBC SPORT NI (@BBCSPORTNI) September 24, 2024