The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Injury forces Jenkins to call time on career
Wales’ record cap holder Gethin Jenkins says he is “very proud of everything I have achieved” as he prepares to retire from rugby.
The 37-year-old prop and former Wales captain will call time on his career after featuring in Cardiff Blues’ Guinness PRO14 clash against Zebre on Sunday.
He made 129 appearances for Wales during a Test career that spanned 14 years, and toured three times with the British and Irish Lions, playing in five Tests.
Announcing his retirement, the Blues said that Jenkins, who made his Wales debut in 2002, has been battling to overcome a chronic knee injury.
He will now take up a coaching role within the Cardiff Blues academy.
Jenkins was part of three Six Nations Grand Slam campaigns with Wales –in 2005, 2008 and 2012 – and is regarded as one of his country’s all-time great players, combining powerful set-piece ability with prolific tackling and breakdown work, in addition to outstanding handling skills.
“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,” he said.
“It’s obviously a big decision, but I’ve had a good innings, it’s time to finish and I am 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 is 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’m very proud of everything I have achieved in my career.
“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.”
Jenkins has played almost 200 games in two stints with the Blues, while he also spent a season with French club Toulon.