Jack McGrath

McGrath was a key part of Leinster and Ireland's success, but his career was stalled due to injury. Share this article.

“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,” he posted on Instagram. “I am in a position now where I have a comfortable, pain-free life and can be an active dad, which I have chosen over going back to play rugby.” The 33-year-old, who began his career at Leinster, was released by Ulster at the end of last season and had been without a club as he continued his battle to recover from a persistent hip injury.

The Dubliner has been without a club since being released by Ulster at the end of last season.

“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. “A decision that has taken a considerable amount of time, it has been one of the hardest I’ve ever had to make. The 33-year-old has been without a club since being released by Ulster at the end of last season and battled a hip injury in recent times.

Former Ireland prop Jack McGrath has announced his retirement from rugby in a statement issued on Thursday morning.

“The last few years have been extremely testing for myself and my family, both mentally and physically. 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’.

McGrath is among Ireland's most decorated players and played 56 times for Ireland and 145 times for Leinster. McGrath would move to Ulster in 2019 and was ...

"I feel I have given everything to my rugby career and I have no regrets or anything left to prove. "The last few years have been extremely testing for myself and my family, both mentally and physically. And he has has announced he has hung up the boots.