IRELAND AND FORMER LEINSTER PROP JACK MCGRATH has decided to hang up his rugby boots and retire from professional rugby today.
McGrath was unable to recover from a hip injury that has plagued him over the years and with that has decided to call time on his playing time with club and country.
The 33-year-old played 56 times for Ireland and lined out 145 times for his home province Leinster during his career.
On the international scene the Dublin native won Six Nations titles in 2014 and 2015 under Joe Schmidt and was also won three Lions caps on the 2017 tour of New Zealand.
For his club, McGrath also won a Champions Cup medal, a Challenge Cup and three domestic titles with Leinster.
McGrath also played 25 times for Ulster between 2019-2022.
Leinster paid tribute to their former forward and described the former Ireland prop as 'a warrior' in a tweet
The Tweet read, " . Having announced his retirement this morning, everybody at Leinster Rugby would like to wish our former player Jack McGrath all the very best. 145 Leinster caps 56 Ireland caps Some incredible memories along the way. #ThanksJack #LeinsterFamily"
𝐀 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫 👊 — Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) February 16, 2023
Having announced his retirement this morning, everybody at Leinster Rugby would like to wish our former player Jack McGrath all the very best.
💙145 Leinster caps
☘️56 Ireland caps
Some incredible memories along the way. 💪#ThanksJack #LeinsterFamily pic.twitter.com/116Xf1JTwL
The IRFU also said, "Wishing Jack McGrath a happy retirement - thanks for everything you did in a green jersey!
McGrath also released his own statement confirming the news on Thursday.
"This decision has taken a considerable amount of time, it has been one of the hardest I’ve ever had to make," said McGrath.
"The last few years have been extremely testing for myself and my family, both mentally and physically.
"I feel I have given everything to my rugby career, and I have no regrets, or anything left to prove. It’s been a long road of rehabilitation after two hip resurfacing operations.
"My main focus now is my family, and I am excited for this next chapter with them.
"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 United Rugby Championship returns this weekend due to a Six Nations lull week and both of McGrath's former clubs Leinster and Ulster will also be in action this weekend.
Ulster take on Glasgow Warriors tomorrow and URC leaders Leinster take on the Dragon's on Saturday.
Both teams will release their 23's in due course.
