Wales and Scarlets flanker James Davies has introduced his retirement from rugby as a result of concussion.
The 31-year-old, often known as Cubby, has not featured since profitable his eleventh Wales cap in opposition to Georgia in October 2020.
“I’ve enjoyed every minute of my career here at the Scarlets and made some amazing friends along the way,” stated Davies.
“But after speaking to specialists it’s pretty clear I can’t go on playing.”
He added: “At the moment, thankfully, I am able to lead a normal life, something I wasn’t able to do for a long time after the knock I had.
“Any bang to the top in coaching or in a sport and I may return to the beginning of all this, which is unthinkable for me.
“It has been a tough couple of years, but the support I have had from my family, friends, team-mates, coaches and the club has been incredible and I am hugely grateful for that.”
Davies made his Scarlets debut in opposition to Dragons in 2013 and went on to make 101 appearances for the area.
He scored in Scarlets’ Pro12 last triumph in opposition to Munster in 2017, and went on to win his first Wales cap in opposition to Italy the next 12 months.
“I have some amazing memories in a Scarlets shirt, obviously those two weekends in Dublin, La Rochelle at home, when I also had to play on the wing, Toulon at home in Europe, Bath away, beating Munster at Thomond Park that year, they all stand out.
“However I’ll bear in mind the boys and the stuff off the sphere simply as a lot.
“There are teammates, some who have come and gone from the Scarlets, who I consider lifelong friends. I will miss all that banter, although I’m not sure the boys will!”
Davies was chosen for Wales’ World Cup squad for Japan in 2019, named in the identical squad in addition to his older brother Jonathan.
He additionally flourished on the sevens circuit and represented Crew GB on the Rio 2016 Olympics Video games, profitable a silver medal.
Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel stated: “Cubby has been a great Scarlet, a phenomenal player who gave everything for the shirt and a huge character around the group.
“Now we have all seen how laborious he has labored to try to get again on the sphere.
“It has been tough for him because you know how much he has missed playing, but a person’s health always has to come first.
“I am positive Cub will proceed to have a huge impact on rugby, the sport wants his information and foresight. All of us want him nicely with what comes subsequent.”
Wales head coach Wayne Pivac has also paid tribute to Davies’ career.
“It is very unhappy to listen to about Cubby’s retirement,” he stated.
“I used to be lucky sufficient to educate him at membership and worldwide stage and never solely is he a very good participant however he is an amazing particular person.
“His enthusiasm and sense of humour are second to none and he is one of the game’s genuine characters.
“I want him all the very best for no matter comes subsequent.”
