Wales’ most capped hooker, Ken Owens, has today confirmed his retirement from rugby.
As well as playing 91 times for Wales, Owens toured with The British & Irish Lions on two occasions, coming off the bench in two Tests in the drawn series in New Zealand in 2017, before featuring in all three Tests against South Africa four years later.
Speaking about his decision the 37-year-old, who started his rugby journey at his beloved Carmarthen Athletic, said; “Reluctantly, I am announcing my retirement from rugby. Not playing has been challenging but the time is right to follow medical advice and hang up my boots.
“Had I written the script there would have been one more game for Wales, for the Scarlets and ultimately Carmarthen Athletic. A chance to sign off and thank everyone involved. It was not to be. It might not be the dream ending but my career has been more than I could have dreamt of.
“Whilst part of me wishes I could have done more, I am well aware that if you had told me as a kid I would be fortunate enough to experience what I have, to have worked with and played with the people I have and taken the pleasure I have from this amazing game, I wouldn’t have believed you.”
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In January 2023, after almost a year sidelined with a back injury, Owens was named Wales captain for the Six Nations. He played the last of his 91 Test matches for Wales against France in March 2023.
Selected for The British & Irish Lions Tour of New Zealand in 2017, Owens captained the side against the Blues and was part of the Test match for the epic drawn series. He was also named in Warren Gatland’s Lions squad for the Tour to South Africa in 2021, featuring in all three Tests against the Springboks.
Owens’ talismanic leadership has been, and will be, missed on the regional and international stage.
He attributes his success to the support he has received over the years. He went on to say; “There are countless people I would like to thank. My mother and father have supported me from the minute I first played. My sister Victoria was capped before me so even though the novelty had worn off, they still managed to encourage me on my journey.
“My club, Carmarthen Athletic, gave me so much. A brilliant introduction to rugby and friends for life. I can never thank the people there adequately.
“My only professional club, the Scarlets, believed in me and I hope my loyalty over 19 years has repaid the faith you showed.
“To have played 91 times for Wales is an honour I can never fully describe. To be a Lion… lost for words.
“My wife has been unbelievable, diolch Carys, permanently keeping my feet on the ground! To my boys, Efan and Talfan, thank you for completing my family.
“My coaches. The support staff. Diolch yn fawr iawn.”
