Josh Navidi: A uniquely special player for Cardiff and Wales who deserved many more caps

Adam Kyriacou
Josh Navidi retires

News broke on Thursday evening that Wales back-row Josh Navidi was hanging up his boots with immediate effect due to a serious neck problem.

Unsurprisingly the rugby world was immediately shocked by the announcement before the realisation struck of just what a special player the flanker was.

Perhaps more noticeable was the feeling of ‘what if’ about Navidi as an injury-free career could have seen him become one of the game’s great back-rowers.

Consistent for Cardiff

During his 20s for Cardiff the hard-working forward consistently impressed supporters and pundits alike but could not force his way into the Wales team.

Granted, there was the likes of Sam Warburton, Justin Tipuric, Dan Lydiate and Taulupe Faletau at their peaks, but one just felt he deserved his chance.

Every week Navidi put in a performance for the capital outfit like it was his last as he emptied the tank, mixing his incredible fitness with brute force and finesse.

Despite being selected by head coach Warren Gatland in January 2013 ahead of the Six Nations, his first cap would only come in May versus Japan on tour.

Unfortunately he would have to wait four years before his next Test run-out, a fixture against Tonga in Auckland on the 2017 mid-year tour. This time his performances were at such a standard that he was retained and became the standout player for the Welsh during the end-of-year internationals.

A Six Nations bow soon followed against Scotland in 2018 and he was then a recognised and regular Test match animal who never put in less than an 8/10.

Put simply, Navidi possessed everything the modern day back-row requires and his ability to cover all three positions without even a hint of a drop in performance made him a must-pick for Gatland, not just for Wales but for the British and Irish Lions touring squad that travelled to face the Springboks in 2021.

Indeed, he could play at blindside, openside and number eight as his carrying, fierce defence, breakdown threat, pace and skill-set around the field put opposition outfits under incredible duress for 80 plus minutes. Navidi was a noticeable figure on the rugby field, not just because of those flowing dreadlocks.

But injuries then reared their head and a lengthy shoulder issue meant he only featured in the final two rounds of the Six Nations in 2022 before a neck injury sustained against South Africa in July proved to be his final international match. We didn’t know it then but Test rugby had lost a special player.

“It’s with great sadness but also an immense amount of pride that I am announcing my retirement from rugby,” Navidi told Cardiff’s website on Thursday.

“Although I knew this day would come eventually, I don’t think I was ever really able to prepare myself for how difficult it would be to put into words just how much of an impact the game has had on my life.”

Despite claiming 33 caps, many will feel his time with Wales was all too brief but three Six Nations titles, which included a Grand Slam success, and an impressive run to the Rugby World Cup semi-finals in 2019 can still be looked back on with great pride for Navidi, who admits he will cherish his rugby career.

“I will certainly miss playing but I am very proud of everything I have achieved in my career, whether with Cardiff, Wales or the British and Irish Lions,” he said.

“I’m now looking forward to the next chapter beyond rugby.”

Very proud he should be too as 184 appearances for Cardiff made him a true legend at Arms Park and while social media was awash with sadness at a career deserving of many more international games, the praise this talented player has received since his announcement shows how appreciated he was.

Navidi’s story is one of never giving up as the rewards will eventually come and we’ve no doubt his next chapter will be just as exceptional.

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