By Gareth James
Jonathan Davies has admitted he is going to miss rugby hugely after bringing down the curtain on his 18-year senior career.
The former Wales, British and Irish Lions and Scarlets centre Jonathan announced his retirement from professional rugby on Sunday.
NEW: Jonathan Davies retires from rugby with immediate effect https://t.co/MbUW9qsbPJ
— WalesOnline Rugby (@WalesRugby) October 13, 2024
The 36-year-old, who won 96 caps for Wales, left the Scarlets at the end of the 2023-24 season having scored 55 tries in 209 appearances across two spells for the Welsh region.
“After taking time away from the game following the end of my last season with the Scarlets, I have come to the decision to call time on my professional rugby career,” Davies wrote on Instagram.
“I have enjoyed a break and a summer at home with my family, and been lucky enough to spend quality time with my newborn son, alongside my wife, as we embark on this new chapter together as parents.
“I will inevitably miss the camaraderie of training and playing competitively alongside my teammates, but over these past few months I have been able to assess all of my options and reflect on a career of which I am incredibly proud.”
🏴 BREAKING: Jonathan Davies has announced his retirement from professional rugby.
🏴 96 Wales caps
🦁 6 caps across 2 British and Irish Lions tours
🏅 Player of the 2017 Lions tour
🏆 2 Six Nations Grand Slams
🐲 209 appearances for the ScarletsA true legend of the game.
— RugbyInsideLine (@RugbyInsideLine) October 13, 2024
👇🏼 Underrated rugby player I feel, was an absolute baller & when at the top of his game there weren’t many if any better during that period #JonathanDavies #WalesRugby https://t.co/qx3EhrUYxA
— Graeme Peacock (@graemepeacock05) October 13, 2024
Davies won two grand slams with Wales and played six Tests on two tours with the British and Irish Lions, in Australia in 2013 and New Zealand in 2017.
He was voted player of the series against the All Blacks by his Lions teammates.
“It’s been an incredible ride, with two Lions tours, two grand slams, and the Pro12 title to name a few,” Davies added.
“I have been lucky enough to play the game professionally for 18 years, dedicating everything I have to being the best rugby player I could be.
“I now look forward to what the next 18 will bring, as a father, a husband, and in my next professional chapter.”
✍️ Une légende du rugby gallois tourne la pagehttps://t.co/cGFGasn1V8
— RugbyPass FR 🇫🇷 (@RugbyPass_FR) October 13, 2024