Injury forces Jack McGrath to call time on stellar career

The 33-year-old was released by Ulster at the end of last season and had been without a club as he strived to recover from an ongoing hip issue before he announced his retirement on Thursday morning.

 

“I have made the decision to retire from professional rugby after deep thought and consideration,” he wrote on Instagram.

“A decision that has taken a considerable amount of time, it has been one of the hardest I’ve ever had to make.

“I have spent a long time reflecting on my career over the last number of weeks/months and realise how fortunate I have been to wear the most famous jerseys in the game.

“My brother Stephen always told me: ‘You will play for Ireland and you will be a Lion.’ This was a huge drive for me throughout my career and I am glad I can close this chapter knowing I kept my promise and made him proud.”

McGrath won 59 Ireland caps over the course of his career and was part of the Six Nations triumphs in 2014 and 2015 while representing the Lions during their 2017 Tour of New Zealand.