 Moriarty returned to rugby union when the code officially became professional and rejoined Swansea.A few years later following an injury crisis for the Welsh rugby league side's forward pack during the 2000 Rugby League World Cup, 36-year-old Moriarty was recalled to the side.After coach John Plumtree's departure in November 2001, Moriarty became player-coach, and, along with Tony Clement, ensured Swansea qualified for the 2002–03 Heineken Cup despite being fourth from bottom of the Welsh-Scottish League when they took over.