Retiring Ulster prop Moore 'will be a big miss'

Marty Moore was capped 10 times by Ireland

Hooker John Andrew says that the retirement of his fellow Ulster front rower Marty Moore will be "a big miss" for the Irish province.

It was revealed on Monday that tight-head prop Moore was calling time on his professional rugby career "to prioritise his mental wellbeing".

The 33-year-old played 94 times for Ulster after joining the United Rugby Championship side in 2018.

Prior to moving to Belfast, Moore came through the ranks at Leinster and spent two seasons in England with Wasps.

He won 10 Ireland caps and helped Joe Schmidt's side to Six Nations titles in 2014 and 2015.

"Marty was a great lad. All of us in the squad wish him the best in what he steps into next," said Andrew at Ulster's weekly news conference.

"He's going to leave a big hole in the squad as a person, we all really loved Marty.

"It's not nice seeing someone have to retire but he has made the right decision for himself and I really hope he is all right going forward."

Moore 'has left a good legacy'

Andrew acknowledged that, as in other professions, stress can play a part in the professional rugby player's life, but says help is available.

"It can be a stressful job sometimes, like most people’s jobs - we have people to talk to, the support is there I feel, but it’s all individual," he said.

Ulster forwards coach Jimmy Duffy has only recently joined Richie Murphy's backroom team but says he was already aware that Moore was held in high regard in the dressing room.

"I’ve just come in the door, but he’s been brilliant for this club and he has left a legacy behind him. The lads speak really fondly of him, he was in speaking with them during the week," explained Duffy.

"He’s left a good legacy in terms of what the standard of a tighthead for an Ulsterman should be.

"Disappointed, but that’s life, whatever is best for him and his family is crucial.”