Jack McGrath forced to retire due to hip injury

Ireland international Jack McGrath has announced his decision to retire from professional rugby after failing to recover from a hip injury.

The 33-year-old started his professional rugby career with Leinster in 2010 and went on to win a Champions Cup, Challenge Cup and three domestic titles in a career that spanned almost a decade. In the process, he went on to make 145 appearances for the club.

He went on to join Ulster in 2019 before was released by the Belfast based club at the end of the previous season making 25 appearances for them.

"This decision has taken a considerable amount of time, it has been one of the hardest I’ve ever had to make,” McGrath said. In a statement.

“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.”

McGrath also went on to play 56 Tests for Ireland and went on to be part of the squad that clinched three Six Nations titles. He also went on to represent British and Irish Lions in three games during the 2017 tour.