Wales record cap-holder Gethin Jenkins to retire from rugby

Gethin Jenkins will call time on his career after this weekend's match between and .
The 129-time capped international has been battling through a chronic knee injury which has limited him to just two appearances for the Blues' A team this season.
“I have been working hard rehabbing over the last three months and I was confident I was going to be back playing so it's disappointing to be retiring after Sunday's game against Zebre,” said Jenkins.
“It's obviously a big decision but I've had a good innings, it's time to finish and I'm looking forward to one more run out on the weekend and hopefully finishing on a high.
“The pain I have been experiencing from rugby, in my daily life, simply isn't tolerable but it's important to me that after all the work I have put in, I run out with my team one last time and finish on my own terms.
“I have so many memories from over the years and could stay here all day listing them but the biggest thing I will miss is that camaraderie with the boys, the buzz of running out and playing, and the feeling in the changing rooms after a win.
“I'm very proud of everything I have achieved in my career, particularly captaining the Blues in the previous three seasons. None of it would have been possible without my parents and the 2005 Grand Slam always stands out as Mum and Dad were both there supporting me.”

As well as 2015, Jenkins has won three other Grand Slams and a title during an international career spanning 16 years.
The 37-year-old was selected for three tours (2005, 2009, 2013) and won five Test caps. On the tour to , he packed down with Matthew Rees and Adam Jones to become the first all-Welsh front row to start a Test for the Lions in 54 years.
Should be play against Zebre he will have made 195 appearances for Blues, ending his career at Arms Park.

Leave a Comment