He is taking up a new challenge as director of sport at John McGlashan College in Dunedin.
Mr Carruthers (53) has lived in Clutha all his life.
He grew up on the family sheep and beef farm at Taumata, near Clinton, and farmed in the area for 32 years - seven as a farmhand, and 25 on his own farm, which now grazes dairy cattle.
About seven years ago he became sports co-ordinator for Sport Otago in Clutha, under the banner of Sport Clutha.
''This was my first job other than farming. I've always loved sports, particularly rugby and tennis - I love being active.''
The new position of director of sport at John McGlashan will revolve around the strategic plan of the school, as it wanted to further develop its sport, Mr Carruthers said.
''They have had a high participant level and success rate. I'm looking forward to the challenges of the new job; it's just a big project.''
He and wife Margaret were looking forward to spending more time with his three daughters, who all live in Dunedin, and hoped to be able to watch their sports games.
Now in his last week as Sport Clutha co-ordinator, he is busy preparing for a smooth transition.
''The first priority is to get this job handed over well. I've put seven years into this job. The new person will go their own direction but I want to ensure that things like tournaments continue.
''I've seen a lot of changes in those seven years. The Cross Recreation Centre [opened in 2011] is probably the biggest change, but there has been a lot of growth in the community.''
As Clutha's first district-wide sports co-ordinator, Mr Carruthers spent a lot of time establishing the role and building relationships between a range of sports groups.
''When I came into this job I was mindful I was the only one paid full-time in sport - everyone else were volunteers. I was prepared to work hard.''
However, the community was very supportive of the role.
''I haven't got all the skills, and people were prepared to help. It's quite amazing, the support they have given me and the role.''
The role focuses on five things - education, sport development, community, information, and leadership.
''I spent a lot of time planning and helping out with community events, speaking to groups, and driving projects. I love events and projects - bringing the [Ranfurly] Shield down was fantastic.''
One highlight was hosting two All Blacks and five rugby trophies in Balclutha in October.
All Blacks Andrew Hore and Aaron Smith made a short visit to the Balclutha sportsgrounds, training 70 young rugby players from South and West Otago, with the help of four Otago players.
The Bledisloe Cup, the Webb Ellis Cup, the Women's World Cup, and the men's and women's sevens world cups were on display for the afternoon.
''They were prepared to let us manage the All Blacks' visit to Clutha. It was great seeing the whole A&P grounds full of kids having a good time ... at the end of the day, the kids enjoying themselves is what it is all about.''
Mr Carruthers is very proud of the sports activator programme, which involves 20 school across South and West Otago.
Sports activator Mitch McRae is employed by a cluster of schools in the Clutha district to deliver 12 sessions annually to each class.
The programme is an initiative of Sport Otago and funded by Sparc and Sport Otago.
''It's been a lot of fun, and great to see 20 schools working together for this initiative.''
Other highlights included developing a tournament schedule in primary schools, organising more coaching visits, and meeting people from across the district.
''When kids leave school they have enjoyed various sports and developed all the fundamental skills.''
''It's a great job and it's very important to have a role like this in the district. I will miss the people - adults and kids.''
Mr Carruthers starts his new role at John McGlashan on Monday.
