- Ken Owens, Wales and Lions player, retires due to injury
- Back ailment halts career; Scarlets debut postponed until 2023
- Owens leaves behind legacy of leadership and inspiration in rugby
Ken Owens, the former captain of Wales, has tendered his retirement from the sport after failing to overcome a back injury.
Due to the injury, the 37-year-old hooker, who also appeared in five Tests for the British and Irish Lions, has been inactive for nearly a year; he will not make his Scarlets debut until April 2023.
Owens amassed two grand slams and two additional Six Nations championships in his 91 caps for Wales, the team he captained at the Six Nations last year.
“I regret to inform you that I will be retiring from rugby. “While my inability to play has been difficult, I have reached a point where I must heed medical advice and hang up my boots,” he explained.
“Had I penned the script, Wales, the Scarlets, and ultimately Carmarthen Athletic would have advanced one game.” An opportunity to sign off and express gratitude to all participants.
“It was not to be the case.” Although it may not be the perfect conclusion, my professional journey has been more fulfilling than I have ever imagined.
“Although a portion of me wishes I had been able to accomplish more, I am fully cognizant that I would not have believed you when you told me as a child that I would have the good fortune to experience what I have, to have collaborated and played with the individuals I have, and to derive the joy I do from this incredible game.”
Owens debuted for the Scarlets in 2006 and accumulated 274 appearances for his sole professional organization, the region.
Following his first cap in 2011, he participated in three World Cups; however, a back ailment prevented him from participating in the fourth international competition in France in 2023.
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He participated in last year’s Six Nations despite back and neck issues, and he was involved in contract negotiations with the Welsh Rugby Union that prevented a strike.
His final match was the April 2023 Scarlets’ Challenge Cup loss to Glasgow.
“During his stellar career, Ken Owens was not only a phenomenal player for the Scarlets, Wales, and Lions, but he was also a paragon of character who inspired young people across the nation to develop a passion for the sport,” said Abi Tierney, chief executive of the WRU.
“His consecutive tenure as captain of each of those senior teams demonstrates that he is an exceptionally charismatic leader. His absence will be missed on the pitch, and the locker rooms, team rooms, and press conferences will also be less lively.”
