Wales boss Warren Gatland has given his response to Wednesday’s unlucky affirmation that Ken Owens has retired from taking part in with speedy impact.
The 37-year-old, who was his nation’s most capped hooker, additionally labored with Gatland on two British and Irish Lions excursions however he has now needed to name it quits on account of medical recommendation following 274 one-club-man appearances for the Scarlets.
Owens introduced on his membership’s web site: “Reluctantly, I’m saying my retirement from rugby. Not taking part in has been difficult, however the time is true to comply with medical recommendation and dangle up my boots.
“Had I written the script there would have been yet one more recreation for Wales, for the Scarlets and finally Carmarthen Athletic. An opportunity to log out 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.”
Gatland paid tribute afterward Wednesday to the 91-cap worldwide who additionally performed in 5 B&I Lions Take a look at video games. “Ken has had an unimaginable rugby profession and has been an excellent ambassador for the sport in Wales,” stated the coach on the Welsh Rugby Union web site.
Members of our Scarlets Sporting Reminiscences group, who met at the moment at Parc y Scarlets, say a giant thanks to Ken Owens for his unimaginable profession
Aelodau o’n grwp Atgofion Chwaraeon yn diolch i Ken Owens am ei yrfa anhygoel@SMN_Wales @SportsMemNet #ScarletsFamily pic.twitter.com/xAWbBOZa8V
— Scarlets Neighborhood Basis (@CymunedScarlets) April 17, 2024
“I’ve loved having the ability to coach him with Wales and the Lions. Ken is an extremely passionate Welshman. I do know it meant quite a bit to him to play for Wales and you could possibly see that each single time he wore the pink jersey.
“He was additionally very proud to symbolize Carmarthen Athletic and the Scarlets. All through his profession Ken has been a devoted skilled and a terrific chief, at all times serving to drive requirements but additionally very talked-about along with his teammates.
“He has been completely excellent for Wales over time and it was an easy choice to call him as captain for the 2023 Guinness Six Nations, which turned out to be his last worldwide marketing campaign.
“Ken, his spouse Carys, his household and pals might be immensely happy with all he has achieved. Diolch yn fawr iawn am bopeth Ken. All one of the best for the following chapter.”
