Wales great Jenkins to retire after Zebre clash

LONDON: Wales’ record cap holder Gethin Jenkins will retire from rugby union after taking part in Cardiff Blues’ PRO14 clash against Zebre on Sunday.

The Blues announced on Wednesday the 37-year-old prop forward would end a career that yielded 129 Wales caps and saw him tour three times with the British and Irish Lions, playing in five Tests.

Jenkins, who has been struggling to overcome a chronic knee injury, said: “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.

“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.”

Jenkins, who made his Wales debut in 2002, added: “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.”

Jenkins has appeared in almost 200 games for the Blues in two spells, while he also captained Wales during an international career that saw him play a key role in three Six Nations Grand Slams.

Reflecting on his career, Jenkins said: “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 am very proud of everything I have achieved in my career.”

Jenkins is now set to take up a coaching role within the Cardiff Blues academy.

Blues coach John Mulvihill, paying tribute to the frontrower, said: “Gethin Jenkins is a legend of Welsh rugby, a great servant for both club and country and it is fitting that he finishes his career in front of his home crowd at Cardiff Arms Park.

“After 13 seasons at Cardiff Blues, at the top of his game, this weekend marks the end of an era at the club.”