Former Wales captain Ken Owens has announced his immediate retirement following a battle with a back injury that has forced his hand. The 91-cap Wales international has not played for the Scarlets since April 2023 and has now ben forced to accept that he will no longer don the red shirt for whom he's played his entire professional career.
He said in a statement: "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.
"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."
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