Wednesday was undeniably one of the busiest news days in Irish rugby history. By 8 am, Leinster had already caused a ruckus and signed Johnny Sexton’s arch nemesis Rieko Ioane. By 9 am, Connacht had followed up with their own breaking news that head coach Pete Wilkins would be resigning.
As all of Irish rugby was swept up in the ensuing media frenzy, in Belfast, one of Ulster’s brightest prospects and former Ireland U20 captain, Reuben Crothers was preparing to announce his retirement from professional rugby.
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Taking to Instagram, Crothers shared a heartfelt message with the Ulster faithful, revealing the surprise news that he would hang up his boots at just 23 years of age when this season concluded.
“From lifting Wallace’s first Schools Cup, to leading my country to a Grand Slam and representing my boyhood club, I step away from professional rugby at the end of this season with nothing but pride,” explained Crothers.
“Thank you to Megan, my parents and two sisters for what you sacrificed so that I could chase my dream. Bringing silverware back to Ulster has been my reason for playing professional rugby but I am confident that my boys coming through can help to achieve this.”
“It has been the greatest honour to represent my community in this sport. I’m looking forward to the next challenge.”Â
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17 November 2023; Reuben Crothers of Ulster celebrates his side’s third try, scored by Rob Herring, during the United Rugby Championship match between Ulster and Emirates Lions at Kingspan Stadium in Belfast. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
The former Wallace captain made his senior Ulster debut against Connacht last year, and has since made appearances against the Dragons, Benetton and the Lions. Ultimately, however, his time at the Kingspan has been plagued by injury and will now come to a premature and disappointing end in a few weeks time.
The backrow’s greatest exploits, however, came not in the white of Ulster but in the green of Ireland, where he famously led the Ireland U20s to the 2022 Grand Slam.
Having made his debut during the 2021 campaign, Crothers was appointed to captain the side for 2022 and enjoyed a terrific season at the helm that saw Ireland win all five of their games and a famous Grand Slam in front of a home crowd at Musgrave Park.
20 March 2022; Ireland captain Reuben Crothers celebrates with the U20 Six Nations championship trophy after the U20 Six Nations Rugby Championship match between Ireland and Scotland at Musgrave Park in Cork. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Thanking him for his service, Ulster Rugby took to social media with a short but succinct message.
Reuben Crothers has announced that he is to step away from professional rugby at the end of this season. Thank you, Reuben, for all you’ve given – on and off the pitch. Wishing you all the very best in what comes next.
Once an Ulsterman, always an Ulsterman.
While it is undoubtedly disappointing to see one of Ulster’s brightest young prospects hang up their boots so early, the 23-year-old has already been receiving the support of professional stars present and past who have been taking to social media to offer their congratulations to Crothers.
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