Wales legend Owens 'reluctantly' retires because of injury

WALES and Scarlets legend Ken Owens has "reluctantly" retired from rugby on medical advice.

The 37-year-old hooker from Carmarthen won 91 caps for his country and also played in five Tests for the British and Irish Lions against New Zealand and South Africa.

Owens won the Six Nations four times – two of them Grand Slams – and played in three World Cups.

He captained Wales at the age of 36 in the 2023 Six Nations but the combative front rower has been sidelined by a back problem, with his last game the European Challenge Cup semi-final loss to Glasgow last April.

“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,” said Owens.

“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.”

GREAT: Iconic Scarlets hooker Ken Owens has retired (Image: PA)

Owens made his first-team debut for the Scarlets against Northampton in 2006 and racked up 274 appearances, winning the PRO12 in 2017.

“Ken is undoubtedly one of the greatest players to have worn the Scarlets jersey,” said head coach Dwayne Peel, a former teammate of Owens.

“From when he started here as a youngster in the Academy, he has remained a one-club man throughout his career and been an outstanding ambassador for the Scarlets.

“I can’t speak highly enough of him as a player and a person. He is someone who wears his heart on his sleeve, has been a warrior on the field and has always led by example.

“He captained the club the season we won the PRO12 title, led us to a Champions Cup semi-final, but more importantly, he epitomises all the core values of our great club, a proud West Walian, a family man with his heart firmly in his community.

“If ever the young players at the club wanted a role model for their professional career, they should look to Ken Owens.

“He is someone who is going to leave a massive hole and he will be missed by everyone here at Parc y Scarlets, his teammates, coaches and all the staff.”

Wales boss Warren Gatland hailed Owens for being a driving force for the successful Test teams in his first spell in charge.

“Ken has had an incredible rugby career and been a brilliant ambassador for the game in Wales,” said Gatland. “I’ve enjoyed being able to coach him with Wales and the Lions.

“Ken is an incredibly passionate Welshman. I know it meant a lot to him to play for Wales and you could see that every single time he wore the red jersey. He was also very proud to represent Carmarthen Athletic and the Scarlets.

“Throughout his career Ken has been a dedicated professional and a great leader, always helping drive standards but also very popular with his teammates.

“He has been absolutely outstanding for Wales over the years and it was a very easy decision to name him as captain for the 2023 Guinness Six Nations, which turned out to be his final international campaign."