Ulster's Marty Moore retires from pro rugby on medical advice

Ulster have confirmed that former Ireland international prop Marty Moore will retire from professional rugby to focus on his mental wellbeing.

The 33-year-old started his career at Leinster, winning 10 Ireland caps between 2014 and 2015, before making the move to Wasps in 2016. After a two-year spell in the English Premiership, he returned to Irish shores with Ulster.

However, the Dubliner suffered a serious knee injury while in action against Munster on New Year's Day 2023, although he returned to make five appearances for Ulster in the United Rugby Championship last season.

But Moore will now end his career, with Ulster confirming that, with the full support of the club, the decision has been made on medical advice in order to prioritise his mental wellbeing.

"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's 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