I am delighted to be joined by Conor Carey. We have timed this podcast perfectly because Conor has just announced his retirement from professional rugby and is ready to reflect on a great career.

Rugby fans in Ulster will know Conor as he is one who slipped through the net. He played rugby in Ulster up the age-groups and Ireland under 20s and then went on to have along and successful career - just not in Ulster (although he nearly came full circle last season...)

Conor is also uniquely positioned to talk about the Championship, the Premiership and the top 14 as well as what it was like to come through rugby in Ulster but then take an alternative path. His retirement statement is hot off the press and it refers to both the good times and the challenges and hardships that face professional rugby players both during their playing days as they seek to transition out of the game. To find out more you'll have to listen to this fascinating chat with Conor.