Andy Ward has 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. 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."
"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," said Ward. " 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 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."