Paddy Wallace Announces His Retirement
Ulster’s all-time record caps holder Paddy Wallace has confirmed that he will retire from rugby at the end of this season.
Paddy Wallace, who has played 189 times for his province, made his debut for Ulster in the 2001/02 season.
The ex-Campbell College pupil began his career at full-back and out-half, but in recent years moved to inside centre where he excelled for both province and country.
The 34 year-old won 30 caps for Ireland, the highlight of which was winning the Grand Slam in 2009.
He was part of the Ulster team that won the Celtic Cup in 2003 and helped Ulster win the then Magners League in 2006.
He played 54 matches in the Heineken Cup, the last of which was against Castres Olympique last season in Ulster’s first win on French soil in the competition. He scored seven tries in the European competition, 101 points in total and played in the Heineken Cup final in 2012.
In the past 18 months his game-time for Ulster has been restricted due to injury. He played his last game for the province against Zebre this past December.
Speaking about his decision to retire, Wallace said: “I have been happy to call Ulster my home for all my life and to play at the one province for a whole career is something that is really special.
“Professional rugby is all I have known for the past 14 years. I am going to miss playing at Ravenhill, the fans and everything involved with being a rugby player.
“However, I have lots of fond memories. I have had a great career and I wouldn’t change anything for the world.”
Paddy Wallace: Ireland Profile