Ken Owens announces retirement from rugby due to long-term back injury, ending career with 91 Wales caps

Ken Owens, the legendary rugby player, has announced his retirement from the sport at the age of 37 due to a long-term back injury. The Welsh hooker, who has represented Scarlets, Wales, and the British and Irish Lions, made the difficult decision to hang up his boots after not playing this season.

Owens, who last played for Scarlets in April 2023, leaves behind an impressive legacy in the world of rugby. He captained Wales for the first time during the 2023 Six Nations and earned a total of 91 Test caps for his country. Additionally, he represented the Lions in the 2017 drawn series against the All Blacks in New Zealand and the 2021 series defeat to South Africa.

Throughout his career, Owens played 274 times for Scarlets, leading them to a Pro12 title in 2017 and a European Cup semi-final in 2018. He also had the honor of playing for Wales in three Rugby World Cups.

In a statement regarding his retirement, Owens expressed his gratitude for the opportunities he had in the sport. He acknowledged the support of his professional club, Scarlets, and the privilege of representing Wales and the Lions on the international stage.

While Owens may have wished for a different ending to his career, he remains thankful for the experiences and relationships he has gained through rugby. His retirement marks the end of an era for Welsh rugby, as fans and fellow players alike reflect on the impact he has had on the sport.

As Ken Owens bids farewell to the game he loves, his legacy as a respected and accomplished player will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of rugby fans around the world.