Connacht's Jack Carty to retire at end of season after 15 years at province

TALISMAN: Jack Carty will retire at the end of the season after 15 years at Connacht. Pic: Tom O'Hanlon/Inpho

Connacht's Jack Carty has announced that he will retire at the end of the season, after 15 years at the club.

The 33-year-old fly-half will hang up his boots as Connacht's all-time highest points scorer with 1260 points across 231 appearances.

Carty also earned 11 Ireand caps during his career, including three appearances during the 2019 World Cup.

Carty released a statement today saying: “It’s time to say thank you. After 15 seasons with my boyhood club all good things understandably have to come to an end. As I reflect back on my time in Connacht Rugby, I feel fortunate to have been a part of the transformation we have all witnessed. 

"From the excitement of the old Clan Stand opening, getting stranded in Siberia, the ecstasy of winning the PRO12, playing for my country and the Dexcom Stadium grand opening - it’s been filled with so many highs. There have been times for reflection, regret and disappointment. Each one enabling me to grow and learn who I am as a person.

Carty makes a break during a showdown with Ulster. Pic: Nick Elliott/Inpho

"I have so many people to be thankful for along the way and I plan on thanking you all in the near future, but my biggest appreciation has always been to my Mum and Dad, for never letting me get too high or too low. My siblings Aoife, Deirdre, Ben and Luke for their constant love and support. My late cousin Brian for driving me to be better and for his fierce support always.

"To my wife Sarah, regardless of how my day has gone, coming home to you is my biggest blessing. I’m excited for our life once this journey comes to an end.

"I know he will hate being name checked but it would be amiss not to thank Willie Ruane. From him I learned that Connacht Rugby transcends the sport. The transformation the club has undergone would not have occurred without him nor the relevant committees and volunteers in the background.

"The coaches at Buccaneers and Marist College for sowing the seeds that enabled me to grow towards playing for my province and country, without you it wouldn’t have been possible. A hat tip to Keith Matthews for his guidance as my agent but more importantly mentor and friend.

"A special thank you to the Connacht fans and in particular ‘The Clan’ for the loyal support, not only for me but from the hundreds of past, present and future players.

"The great thing is, there is so much rugby to be played this season. So many chapters still to be written and memorable days to be created. So, retirement can wait for another couple of months as this team has so much left to achieve."