CRAIG GILROY has revealed that he will leave Ulster Rugby at the end of the season. The 32-year-old spent 13 seasons at the province and made 211 appearances since making his debut in 2010.
The Ulster winger also won ten caps and scored five tries for Ireland between 2012-2017.
Posting on his social media accounts on Tuesday, Gilroy started off the lengthy statement by saying: "I have so much to be thankful for and will treasure the many amazing memories created at this club. As a young kid, it was my dream to be a professional rugby player and to represent my home province.
"I have so many emotions looking back over the last 13 years. My whole adult life has been at Ulster, and it’s hard to put it into words. I feel an immense sense of pride, I feel sad that it’s coming to an end but so incredibly happy that it happened.
"The journey is hopefully not over just yet, as I hope to finish this current season strong and thereafter look to play my rugby abroad and experience another club and culture."
The Bangor native then went on to thank the people who helped him reach the levels he achieved in his career.
Craig Gilroy will leave Ulster at the end of the season. All the best for the next chapter 👏👏#UlsterRugby #SUFTUM pic.twitter.com/DjLNZOtgoz
— TheRavenhillRoar (@RavenhillRoar) April 18, 2023
"For my 13 seasons at Ulster Rugby, there are so many people to thank, from staff to the players for their help, advice, and expertise, and the friendships forged. To the fans, you have been amazing, thank you," he added.
"Thank you especially to my parents and my siblings who supported me through everything from a young age and to my friends who enjoyed the journey with me. The euphoria of scoring a try at the Kingspan Stadium and the walk back to my wing hearing the crowd is something I will miss and be hard to replicate.
"To my partner Melissa, thank you for your unwavering support and for giving me the best gift in life and my proudest achievement in our daughter Madison – without you, I could not continue this path in professional sport.
"For Madison to watch me play live and holding her on the pitch is something that I will cherish forever and, although she won’t remember it, I look forward to telling her in the future.
"I got to travel the world, play with and against many of my heroes and live out my dream at the club I call home...for that, I will be forever grateful."
Ulster's next game will be against Edinburgh in the United Rugby Championship this coming Friday.
That game kicks-off at 7.45pm
See More: CRAIG GILROY, Rugby, Ulster
