Former Wales captain Ken Owens has introduced his retirement from the sport after failing to get well from a again downside.
The 37-year-old hooker, who additionally performed 5 Checks for the British and Irish Lions, has been sidelined for nearly a 12 months due to the harm, final taking part in for the Scarlets in April 2023.
Owens received two grand slams and two additional Six Nations titles throughout his 91 caps for Wales, whom he led throughout final 12 months’s Six Nations.
“Reluctantly, I’m asserting my retirement from rugby. Not taking part in has been difficult, however the time is true to observe medical recommendation and cling up my boots,” he mentioned.
“Had I written the script there would have been yet one more sport for Wales, for the Scarlets and finally Carmarthen Athletic. An opportunity to log off and thank everybody concerned.
“It was to not be. It may not be the dream ending, however my profession has been greater than I may have dreamt of.
“While a part of me needs I may have finished extra, I’m effectively conscious that in the event you had informed me as a child I might be lucky sufficient to expertise what I’ve, to have labored with and performed with the folks I’ve and brought the pleasure I’ve from this superb sport, I wouldn’t have believed you.”
Owens made his debut for the Scarlets in 2006 and went on to amass 274 appearances for the area, his solely skilled staff.
He competed in three World Cups after successful his first cap in 2011 however was denied involvement in a fourth world showpiece at France 2023 due to his again harm.
Overcoming again and neck points to participate in final 12 months’s Six Nations, he was a part of the contract negotiations with the Welsh Rugby Union that averted strike motion.
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His final match was the Scarlets’ Problem Cup defeat by Glasgow in April 2023.
“Ken Owens has not solely been a beautiful participant for the Scarlets, Wales and Lions over the course of a stellar profession however he has additionally been a consummate function mannequin for kids up and down the nation growing their love for the sport,” mentioned the WRU chief government, Abi Tierney.
“The truth that he has captained all of these senior sides in succession reveals simply what a talismanic chief he’s. We’ll all miss his presence on the pitch and the altering rooms, staff rooms and press conferences additionally received’t be the identical with out him.”
