Western Force and former Wallabies lock Sam Carter has decided to hang up the boots on a decorated 14-year career.
Carter, 35, informed his Force team-mates of his decision prior to last weekend’s game against the NSW Waratahs. He will be available for next month’s Force game against the British and Irish Lions at Optus Stadium before officially retiring.
Carter calls time following a brilliant playing career that saw him earn 16 caps for the Wallabies including being part of the side’s 2015 World Cup squad.
The lock played 132 Super Rugby games after debuting for the ACT Brumbies in 2011. He played 122 times for the Brumbies (2011-2019), adding another 10 caps at the Force whom he joined in the 2024 season.
During his time at the Brumbies, Carter not only reached 100 caps but also was a Club co-captain, won the side’s best forward award and earned Rugby Australia’s Academic Achievement Award in 2018, while at the Force he was part of the Club’s leadership group.
Carter also spent five years in Europe with Ulster (2019-2023) and Leicester Tigers (2023-2024) between his Super Rugby stints.
Carter, who is the father of two girls with wife Maddie, said: “I’ve come to a point where I feel ready to step away from rugby after 14 years in the professional game.
"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.
“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."
Carter was full of gratitude for those who supported and enabled his playing career and said he was looking forward to the next phase of his life with his young family following next month's Force-Lions game.
“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."
Force head coach Simon Cron heaped praise on Carter for his impact at the Club in a short period of time.
“He’s been an amazing addition to the team and the Club,” Cron said.
“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.”
Sam Carter
DOB: 10/9/1989
Position: Lock
Super Rugby debut: 2011 with ACT Brumbies
Super Rugby caps: 132 (122, ACT Brumbies (2011-2019), (10, Force (2024-2025))
Force cap: 255
Wallabies debut: 2014 vs France, Brisbane
Wallabies caps: 16 (2014-2017)
Wallabies cap: 879
