The departure of MacGinty to Sale Sharks and injuries to new signing Marnitz Boshoff saw Carty return to first choice for the 2016–17 season. He started 18 games in the Pro12, featuring as a replacement in three more, and started five of the side's six games in the Champions Cup, missing the home game with Zebre through injury. Carty also started the team's Champions Cup play-off with Northampton Saints at the end of the season.