Former Ireland rugby star retires on medical advice

The 33-year-old has taken the decision to "prioritise his mental wellbeing".

The 33-year-old earned 10 international caps during Joe Schmidt's tenure as coach of Ireland, and was a member of the Six Nations winning sides of 2014 and 2015.

The Dublin native came through the ranks with Leinster before moving to England to join Wasps in 2016.

He spent two seasons in Coventry before moving to Belfast to join Ulster in 2018.

Over the last six years, Moore made 94 appearances for the province, until a knee injury he sustained against Munster on New Year’s Day in 2023 kept him out for several months.

While he returned to make five appearances for Ulster last campaign, he has now made the decision to hang up his boots.

Bryn Cunningham, head of rugby operations and recruitment at Ulster, issued a statement on the club's website paying tribute to Moore's "outstanding career".

Cunningham said that Moore made his decision with the "the full support of the club", and added that it was motivated by a need to focus on his well-being.

"I think we can safely say that Ulster saw the best of Marty through a distinguished career where he became a cornerstone of the team.

"We wish Marty, and his family, the best for his future and we will continue to support him in every way possible," he added.

"He can hold his head high as one of the Ulster men who made the province his home and made a huge contribution on the pitch."

Moore's former club Leinster also shared a post acknowledging the tighthead prop's incredible career.

Ulster's John Andrew spoke to BBC Sport Northern Ireland about Moore's decision, and said he will be a "big miss" to the province.