Wales star makes retirement call after ‘ten incredible years’ that included three Rugby World Cups
Wales scrum-half Gareth Davies announces his retirement from international rugby.
Wales have been dealt a setback ahead of the Autumn Nations Series after in-form scrum-half Gareth Davies announced his retirement from the international game.
The 34-year-old, who has 77 caps to his name and crossed for 17 tries in a decade-long career for his country, has on Thursday opted to hang up his boots at Test level.
It’s a blow for Wales head coach Warren Gatland as Davies has begun the new United Rugby Championship campaign in impressive fashion, scoring four tries thus far.
Test debut in 2014
He made his Test bow in 2014 against South Africa and was selected to play in the Rugby World Cup the following year, where he scored five tries in that competition.
Davies was also part of the 2019 Six Nations Grand Slam and the 2021 Championship-winning Wales sides and turned out in his third World Cup in France in 2023.
In a statement on social media, Davies said: “I’ve decided that, after ten incredible years playing for Wales, I am retiring from international rugby. It was my childhood dream to represent my country and I have loved every moment in a Wales jersey.
“From winning my first cap on the summer tour back in 2014, to playing in three Rugby World Cups, winning a Six Nations championship and a Grand Slam… it really has been special.
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“Thank you to my family, my wife Katy, my friends and all the fans for their support over the past decade.
“It’s been an honour to represent Wales and with this exciting young group of players coming through I feel now is the right time for me to step away from international rugby.”
He added: “I still have a lot to give to the game and I’m looking forward to the last few years of my club rugby career. Diolch.”
Wales head coach Gatland was full of praise for the veteran scrum-half and highlighted his try against England in the Rugby World Cup as being a special moment.
Memorable moments
“Gareth has been a great player for Wales over the last decade and he has always given everything in the red jersey,” he said.
“There have been some really memorable moments, like his tries against England in the World Cup in 2015 and against Australia in the 2019 and 2023 World Cups.
“He and his family can be very proud of his international achievements.”
Wales begin their Autumn Nations Series against Fiji on November 10 before facing Australia on November 17 and finally South Africa on November 23 in Cardiff.