Former Wallaby Sam Carter set to retire after British and Irish Lions clash

Former Wallabies lock Sam Carter will hang up the boots after the Western Force take on the British & Irish Lions at Optus Stadium next month, with is the opening match of the touring team’s trip Down Under.

Carter has enjoyed a decorated 14-year professional rugby career, which has included time with clubs both in Australia and abroad. The 35-year-old has played more than 130 Super Rugby matches across stints with the Brumbies and the Force.

While at the Brumbies, Carter joined a legendary club by bringing up 100 appearances for the traditional Super Rugby juggernaut, and did so as the club’s co-captain. The Brumbies recognised Carter as the club’s best forward in 2018.

Coach Michael Cheika selected Carter in the Wallabies squad for the 2015 Rugby World Cup, with the Australians making it to the final at Twickenham. In total, Carter played 16 Tests for the Wallabies, with the last of those being on June 24, 2017, against Italy in Brisbane.

Carter also spent five years in Europe with Ulster and Leicester Tigers before joining the Force ahead of the 2024 season. The lock has been a reliable member of coach Simon Cron’s team, featuring five times this season.

“It’s been an incredible journey, full of unforgettable experiences and great memories. Now feels like the right time to move on and begin a new chapter,” Carter said in a statement.

“Reflecting on my career, I feel incredibly grateful to have been part of some amazing teams, the Brumbies, Ulster, Leicester and now the Force. It’s the staff and players I’ve had the privilege of working with that have made this journey so special.

“One of the big highlights for me was making my debut for the Wallabies in 2014, something I had dreamed of since I was a kid.

“I want to thank the whole Force organisation for welcoming me back from overseas and giving me the opportunity to finish my rugby career back in Australia,” Carter said.

“I want to thank my parents for fostering my love of rugby from an early age. Most of all, I would like to thank my wife Maddie, who has supported me every step of the way since the very beginning.

“I’m really keen to be involved in the Lions match later this month. I think the British and Irish Lions are one of the things that make rugby so special and unique. After that, my family and I are planning to take some time off to reassess what the next chapter looks like for us.”

Carter’s first taste of competitive Super Rugby action in 2025 came away to his old club in round two, with the Force making history with a shock upset win over the Brumbies at their fortress, Canberra’s GIO Stadium.

Coach Cron selected Carter in the starting side the following week against the Reds in Perth, with the visitors snatching that late. The former Wallaby also suited up for the Force in matches against the Crusaders, Chiefs and Fijian Drua this season.

“He’s been an amazing addition to the team and the Club,” Cron added.

“His leadership, maturity, rugby brains and knowledge have contributed a lot to the organisation.

“He’s been a pleasure to coach and a real legend of a man.”