Connacht claim ‘legacy will endure’ as their record points scorer confirms retirement plan
Jack Carty in the colours of Connacht and, inset, playing for Ireland at Rugby World Cup 2019
Former Ireland out-half Jack Carty has confirmed he will retire from professional rugby at the end of his 15th season at Connacht.
The Irish province’s record points scorer, who has 1,260 points from 231 matches, won 11 Test caps, including three appearances at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan under Joe Schmidt.
He was a starter in Connacht’s surprise United Rugby Championship win last Friday at Ulster, pushing Stuart Lancaster’s side into ninth place with five matches remaining in a campaign that will also see them host the Sharks in Galway in the Challenge Cup round of 16.
Ahead of this Saturday’s league match at home to Ospreys, the 33-year-old Carty has announced he will hang up his boots when the season ends.
“I feel fortunate…”
Carty said: “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, 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.”
Having learned his grassroots game at Buccaneers and Marist College, Carty was quickly snapped up by his home province. Aside from an outpouring of gratitude for his family and the help they provided along the way, the former club captain singled out the role that Connacht CEO Willie Ruane has had on the team’s progress.
“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.”
Carty added: “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.”
Ruane said: “Jack Carty epitomises everything that is good about Connacht rugby. His story from grassroots rugby at Buccaneers 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.
“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.”
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Head coach Lancaster added: “I’ve been fortunate enough to work with Jack for the last season of his career, and the impact he has had on his teammates, the club and the wider province was clear from an early stage.
“He’s an excellent rugby player and just as good a person, who leads by example and commands the respect of all who work with him, given his vast experience and achievements with the club.
“On behalf of the coaches and pro staff, I want to express our gratitude for all he has done for Connacht, and I’m sure he’ll continue to play a big part in the rest of the campaign as we strive for success on both fronts.”