Western Force lock Sam Carter has called time on his decorated 14-year career, with the former Wallabies second-rower to potentially play his last professional game against the British and Irish Lions.

The 35 year-old informed his Force team-mates prior to last weekend’s game against the Waratahs, but will be available for selection for next month’s game against the Lions at Optus Stadium.

Carter appeared in 10 games across his two seasons with the Force, but played almost 190 professional matches across almost a decade at the top level of the game.

It included 16 caps for the Wallabies and included a Rugby World Cup runners-up medal after representing Australia at the 2015 tournament where they made the final.

Carter also played 132 Super Rugby games, 122 of them with the Brumbies from 2011-2019 before he spent five years in Europe with Ulster and Leicester Tigers.

Carter, who is the father of two girls with wife Maddie, said the time felt right to walk away from the sport.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

Carter 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,” he 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. 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 was full of praise for Carter and his impact at the club over the past year.

“He’s been an amazing addition to the team and the club. 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