Originally a Rugby Union player, Ricky joined the Canberra Raiders in 1988. Ricky was a member of Canberra’s 4 grand finals in 1989-91 and 94 (winning premierships in 1989-90 and 1994). In 1995, Ricky was appointed the captain of the Canberra Raiders. Ricky played 2010 games for Canberra over 11 seasons (39 tries, 7 goals and 26 field goals). In 1999 Ricky joined the Canterbury Bulldogs. Ricky played 40 games for Canterbury over 2 seasons (2 tries, 2 field goals).
Ricky played 1 game for City Origin in 1990 (2 tries). Ricky played 1 game for Country Origin in 1991. Ricky played 14 matches for New South Wales from 1990-94 (3 tries). Ricky played 9 test matches for Australia from 1990-94 (1 try, 1 field goal).
In 2001, Ricky began coaching when he coached the Canterbury Bulldogs Jersey Flegg side. Ricky guided Canterbury to the 2001 Jersey Flegg Premiership. In 2002, Ricky was appointed head coach of the Sydney Roosters. Ricky led Sydney to three straight grand finals from 2002-04 (2002 premiership). Ricky coached Sydney for 130 games over 5 seasons (79 wins, 1 draw). In 2007, Ricky was appointed coach of the Cronulla Sharks. Ricky coached Cronulla for 91 games over 4 seasons (38 wins). In 2013, Ricky returned to coaching when he coached the Parramatta Eels. Ricky coached Parramatta for 24 games over 1 season (5 wins). In 2014, Ricky returned to the Canberra Raiders, where he remains the head coach.
Ricky coached New South Wales in 2005 and 2011-12 for 9 games and 1 series win (4 wins). In 2006, Ricky was appointed coach of Australia. Ricky coached Australia for 11 games across three seasons (10 wins).
In 2011, Ricky was a panel member of Chanel Ten’s One Week at a Time.
In 1990, Ricky was awarded the Clive Churchill Medal. In 1993, Ricky was awarded the Dally M and Rothmans Medals. In 2011, Ricky started the Ricky Stuart Foundation. The foundation aims to raise awareness for autism and assist carers and support families. In 2018, Ricky was inducted into the NRL Hall of Fame. In 2019, Ricky was an inaugural inductee into the Canberra Raiders Hall of Fame. In 2021, Ricky was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM). In 2022, Ricky was inducted into the NSWRL Hall of Fame.