Nick Civetta announces retirement from professional rugby

After six years as a constant presence on the USA pitch, Men’s Eagle No. 498 Nick Civetta has announced his retirement from international and club rugby.

With 35 international test caps and a Rugby World Cup appearance in 2019, Civetta’s sights are now set on the next chapter in his professional career, while continuing to give back to the game as a rugby administrator and coach.

“It is a difficult thing to pass on to life after rugby,” said Civetta, “Playing the game professionally for a decade was a gift and a true privilege. I will miss my teammates dearly. I love the challenge that rugby presents–the pressure, the pain, the elation–and the ability to rise to it with my brothers. In the big wins and the big losses, I always felt as if I gave my heart, body, and soul to my performances. I had the time of my life representing my country. I am grateful for the time I had in an Eagle’s shirt, for the friends it forged, and for what it taught me. My time in the No. 5 shirt has come to an end.”

A native of New York, Civetta joined Rugby New York of Major League Rugby in 2021, culminating in a championship title on home soil in June of 2022.

“No man is an island. There are too many to thank, from the Notre Dame coaches who saw my potential back in 2007, to John Mitchell and Marty Veale, who brought me back into the Eagle’s environment after a prolonged absence. I’d be remiss not to extend a sincere thank you to Gary Gold and the Eagles staff of the past five years for your unwavering support and willingness to guide us through stormy waters. Finally, I need to thank my wife and my mother for finally convincing me to hang up my boots.”