Ken Owens Bids Farewell: Scarlets, Wales, and Lions Hooker Announces Retirement at 37.

Rugby General

Ken Owens Bids Farewell: Scarlets, Wales, and Lions Hooker Announces Retirement at 37.

At 37, Ken Owens, the most capped hooker for Wales and the team's oldest captain, has announced his retirement.

Ken Owens, Wales' most capped hooker and former captain, has retired after an illustrious career. He played 91 games for Wales and five for the British and Irish Lions across two tours. 

Owens celebrated four Six Nations titles, including two Grand Slams, and participated in three World Cups. Despite these accomplishments, a back injury sidelined him for nearly a year.

"It's been tough not being on the field, but following medical advice, it's time to hang up my boots," Owens shared about his decision. 

He made his Wales debut in 2011 and captained the team during the 2023 Six Nations at the age of 36, overcoming previous injuries.

Unfortunately, a long-standing back issue forced Owens to end his career after Scarlets' European Challenge Cup semi-final loss to Glasgow in April. 

Reflecting on his career, he remarked, "While it's not the ending I imagined, my career has been beyond my dreams. I had hoped for one more game for Wales, Scarlets, and Carmarthen Athletic, but sometimes things don't go as planned."