Rugby

Ulster forward Marty Moore announces retirement from professional rugby

The former Ireland international prop played for Leinster, Wasps and the Ulstermen in his career

Pacemaker Press 13-02-2024: PRE-MATCH MEDIA BRIEFING. Tuesday 13 February, 3.30pm | Media Suite at Kingspan Stadium Ulster Rugby’s Prop Marty Moore pictured during a Pre-Match briefing on the upcoming BKT United Rugby Championship Round 10 fixture against Ospreys at Swansea.com Stadium. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.
Ulster Rugby's Prop Marty Moore has announced his retirement from the professional game to 'focus on wellbeing'. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press.
By Peter Lockhart

Ulster and Ireland prop Marty Moore announces retirement ‘to focus on wellbeing’.

Ulster Rugby have announced the shock retirement of Marty Moore - the 33-year-old prop - on medical advice just one game into Ulster’s 2024/25 campaign.

The former Ireland prop - who played 94 times for the province - had struggled with injury, but the announcement cites the reason for his retirement as “to focus on his well-being”.

Moore played for Ulster 94 times and won 10 Ireland caps, helping Ireland to win the Six Nations in 2014 and 2015.

Ireland prop Marty Moore, pictured left during a 2014 clash with Scotland, is moving to Aviva Premiership club Wasps
Ireland prop Marty Moore, pictured left during a 2014 clash with Scotland, played for Ireland 10 times

The prop came through the player pathway at Leinster, making his debut for the club in 2012 before moving to English side Wasps where he spent two seasons.

Joining Ulster in 2018, Moore spent six seasons with the province as the first choice tight-head prop before suffering a serious knee injury in 2023, but battled back to fitness to play for the province once again.

Moore was a key figure in the squad for his reliability in the scrum and also for his high work-rate around the pitch.

Having been a cornerstone of the team when fit, Moore’s retirement will have come as a shock to followers of Ulster Rugby given  he returned from a lengthy absence due to an ACL injury to make five appearances last season and it was hoped the experienced prop would play an important role in Richie Murphy’s side this season.

Ulster's Marty Moore has not given up on lining out for Ireland again despite his last cap coming almost seven years ago
Ulster's Marty Moore has not given up on lining out for Ireland again despite his last cap coming almost seven years ago

Ulster head of operations Bryn Cunningham paid tribute to Moore saying:

“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.”

“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.

Marty Moore was stretchered off in Ulster's loss to Munster on New Year's Day
Marty Moore was stretchered off for Ulster in in a loss to Munster on New Year's Day

“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.”