Magners League Official Website : Andy Ward announces retirement

Andy Ward

Andy Ward announces retirement

19 January 2005, 1:49 pm

By Jonathan McConnell

Andy Ward today announced that his long and distinguished rugby career with Ulster will draw to a close when he retires from representative rugby at the end of this season.

Born in Whangrei, New Zealand, and having made his A debut for Waikato in 1993, Ward was recruited by Ballynahinch RFC at the start of the 1994 season. He made such an impact at the Co. Down club that they made him club Captain the following year and under his leadership he guided the club to Senior Status and All-Ireland League rugby.

Ulster Captain for the past 4 seasons, Ward made his first appearance for the province in October 1997 against Richmond in a match played at the Palace Grounds in Armagh. A member of both the European Cup and Celtic Cup winning sides, Ward reached the landmark 100 cap last May against Leinster.

Capped 28 times for Ireland, Ward made his international debut in January 1998 against France in Paris. A veteran of the 1999 Rugby World Cup and numerous Six Nations campaigns, he also toured South Africa, Australia, Argentina, USA and Canada, even picking up a Barbarian cap along the way when the famous invitation side played South Africa at the Millennium Stadium in 1999.

Ulster Chief Executive Michael Reid commented: “The years Andy has spent with Ulster have given us many memories to cherish. His pride and passion for the Red Hand of Ulster typifies what Ulster Rugby is all about. Aside from his ferocious efforts on the pitch he has been a talisman for the team in recent years, his motivational and inspirational speeches prior to kick-off, the stuff of legends.”

The contribution Andy Ward has made to both Ulster and Irish rugby has been immense and he is quick to acknowledge all the people, players and fans who have inspired, assisted and supported him:

“My decision to retire at the end of this season has been one of the hardest decisions I have had to make in my life. I have achieved all that is possible for me to achieve in the sport and I want to retire when I am at the top. The young players in the squad are really improving and the time is now right for me to step aside and give them a chance to crack ahead, and I wish them every success.”

“I first want to thank all those who have helped me in any way, in particular those at Ballynahinch who brought me over from New Zealand to play a bit of rugby for a few months back in 1994.”

“I met my wife Wendy at the Hinch and we now have two boys, Zac (6) and Bryn (6mths,) and we have recently moved into our new home at the Spa just a stones throw from the club.”

“I want to acknowledge my sincere thanks and appreciation to all the fans of Ulster Rugby who have given me such tremendous and heartfelt support throughout the years. Whenever you hear that Ravenhill roar or perhaps your name being chanted, believe me, it lifts you another six inches.

I know a lot has been written and said about the part the fans play in making Ravenhill such a tough venue to win at, but as a player, it is a feeling and experience that will remain with you for rest of your life – I thank you for the memories.”

“Finally I want to acknowledge all the members of the press for all the support they have given me during my playing career – I thank each one of you.”