Jack Carty Retirement: Connacht Legend to End Season | Rugby News

Connacht Rugby’s all-time leading points scorer, Jack Carty, today announced his retirement from professional rugby at the end of the current season, bringing an end to a 15-year career with his boyhood club.

The 33-year-old out-half, who has amassed 1,260 points across 231 appearances for Connacht, confirmed his decision this afternoon. Carty as well earned 11 caps for Ireland between 2019 and 2022, including three appearances at the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

“It’s time to say thank you,” Carty stated, reflecting on his time with the province. “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.”

Carty debuted for Connacht in October 2012, at the age of 20. He surpassed Eric Elwood as the province’s record points scorer in January 2023. He played a pivotal role in Connacht’s historic Pro12 title win during the 2015/16 season, featuring in 20 games.

He was appointed captain of Connacht by former head coach Andy Friend in 2022, leading the team until 2024. Currently, Carty ranks fifth in Connacht’s all-time appearance list, trailing only John Muldoon, Denis Buckley, Michael Swift, and Tiernan O’Halloran, a position he could potentially improve before the season concludes.

Connacht Rugby CEO Willie Ruane lauded Carty’s impact, stating, “Jack Carty epitomises everything that is good about Connacht Rugby. His story from grassroots rugby at Buccaneers RFC and Marist College, right through the Connacht Academy and Professional team, to the World Cup with Ireland, is one that inspires every girl and boy in Connacht that they can do the same.”

Ruane continued, emphasizing Carty’s broader influence: “His legacy will endure not just in his performances on the field, but also how he has represented the province off the field. He leaves a positive impression on everyone he talks to, whether it be his teammates, the wider management and staff, our partners, or our supporters.”

Carty’s international career began with an Ireland U20 appearance in 2012. He earned his first senior Ireland call-up for the 2019 Six Nations, making his debut against Italy. His most recent appearance for Ireland was against France in 2022.

Ruane concluded, “On behalf of everyone at Connacht Rugby I want to sincerely thank him for his 15 years of unwavering loyalty and dedication to his home province, and wish him, his wife and family every health and happiness into the future.”