Munster record-breaker Stephen Archer to end playing career

The province's record appearance holder will end an 18-year association

Munster’s Stephen Archer with his son Casey. Pic: ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Munster’s record appearance maker Stephen Archer has announced his intention to end his playing career this summer, bringing a close to an 18-year association with the prop’s home province.

The 37-year-old tighthead, who joined the Munster academy in 2007 and made his senior debut against Edinburgh at Murrayfield in October 2009, will retire at the end of the current campaign having made his 300th appearance earlier this month at Bordeaux-Begles.

Archer became Munster’s most-capped player against Leinster in November 2023 with appearance number 269, surpassing Donncha O’Callaghan’s mark, and the twice-capped Ireland international spoke of his pride at staying the course for so long.

“Growing up, my family were huge Munster supporters and I was lucky enough to be brought to lots of games when I was younger,” Archer said in a statement issued by Munster on Wednesday.

“When I made my first Munster appearance in 2009, it was a dream… To still be playing 16 years on as Munster’s most-capped player is fairly surreal and something I’m very proud of.” 

The Cork native, who came through the city’s Christian Brothers College and represented UCC and Cork Constitution, with whom he won the All Ireland League in 2010. His Ireland caps came against Italy in 2013 and Australia in 2014, while he reflected on the two league winners medals as a professional, the Magner’s League 14 years ago and the United Rugby Championship a dozen years later.

“After winning the first league in 2011, I didn’t think it was going to be 12 years before we won it again in 2023. That made it more special in many ways, winning it again in Cape Town after all the near misses.

“Playing for Ireland was a huge honour and something I will always remember as a standout moment in my career.

“In all the Munster dressing rooms I’ve been a part of, there has always been a great bond between the players. I used to enjoy having the craic with the older players when I came in and now I’m the older player having the craic with the younger fellas. That’s always been the way in Munster.

“The most enjoyable part has been sitting in the dressing room after a big performance where everyone has given it their all and you’re all together as a team.” 

Archer’s retirement leaves Oli Jager and John Ryan as Munster’s frontline tighthead options for incoming head coach Clayton McMillan in 2025-26, with Roman Salanoa having not played for almost two seasons due to a knee injury.

The soon to depart tighthead had been believed to be planning retirement much earlier than this season but answered his province’s call by delaying his exit and signing a series of short-term contract extensions to remain available.

Head of Rugby Operations and interim head coach Ian Costello paid tribute to Archer’s service and durability.

“Archie has made a massive contribution to the province since joining the Academy in 2007 and is a hugely popular member of the squad,” Costello said.

“To have enjoyed such longevity in the game and played so many games for Munster shows his quality as a player but also his dedication, perseverance and character as a person.

“We are delighted that he’s going out on his own terms and to have reached the 300-cap landmark is an incredible achievement that may never be matched.

“He has had brilliant support from his family and I’m sure everyone at Cork Constitution, CBC and UCC are very proud of his achievements in the game.

“We’ll miss Archie but wish him, his wife Kelly and all his family the very best for the future.” 

Archer said he was looking forward to spending time with his nearest and dearest but added: “That team bond is what I will miss most. The Saturday is when it counts but it doesn’t just happen on Saturday – it’s the week’s work and the team bond that you build with everyone rowing in the same direction.

“I’ve shared the dressing room with special team-mates and we’ve had some of the world’s best coaches – I have a lot to thank them for.

“I’d like to thank my parents and siblings for their support and encouragement over the years.

“I’d also like to thank the Munster supporters, I think the majority appreciate my effort and work ethic and I’m grateful to them for that.

“Most importantly, I’d like to give a massive thanks to my wife Kelly, she has sacrificed a lot to allow me concentrate on rugby for all these years and that is something I will always be grateful for.

“It’s been special in the last few years being able to have my kids at games and in the dressing room afterwards. I hope those will be memories of a lifetime for them.

“I’m looking forward to enjoying more time with my family and friends in the summer. I’m excited for what’s ahead, looking for a new career path where I can draw on the experiences and skills that I have gained from professional rugby and will be invaluable to me in the future.

“It’s been amazing so far and while I’m looking forward to supporting the team in the future, we have a big few weeks ahead."