Former Ireland prop Marty Moore retires on medical advice

Former Ireland tighthead prop Marty Moore has announced his immediate retirement from professional rugby to prioritise his mental well-being.

The 33-year-old spent the last six years of his career at Ulster, joining from Wasps in 2018. He fell just short of making 100 appearances for the province, with 94 matches to his name.

His two-year spell in England with Wasps came after four years with Leinster, whose pathway he came through at the beginning of his career.

While at Leinster, Moore earned all ten of his Ireland caps, with his debut coming in the 2014 Six Nations against Scotland. He went on to play all five matches of Ireland's Championship-winning campaign that year from the bench.

The prop did the same the following year, winning his last five caps for his country as Ireland won the 2015 Championship.

“On behalf of everyone at Ulster Rugby, past and present, I would like to say thank you to Marty for all that he has given to the club over the past six years, which has seen him rewarded with 94 caps for the province," said Ulster head of rugby operations and recruitment Bryn Cunningham.

“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. That’s testament to not only his application but also the trust built up over the years with all the senior professional staff who worked tirelessly to support his performance.

“With many stand-out moments in an Ulster jersey, we know that our supporters will take the time to join us in celebrating an outstanding career.

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