Wales star makes shock retirement call on the day of Steve Tandy’s first squad announcement
Wales lock Will Rowlands and an inset of head coach Steve Tandy.
In a hammer blow to Wales, lock Will Rowlands has announced his retirement from international rugby on the day of Steve Tandy naming his squad for the Autumn Nations Series.
The 41-Test cap second-rower’s retirement was confirmed in a brief statement by the Welsh Rugby Union on Tuesday.
Rowlands made his Test debut during the 2020 Six Nations under the tutelage of Wayne Pivac as a second-half replacement against France.
In 2022, his displays in the engine room were rewarded when he was named Wales Player of the Year 2022 by the Welsh Rugby Writers Association.
Will Rowlands retires from Test rugby
Earlier this year, he featured in all five of Wales’ Six Nations matches but did not play the July internationals.
“Will has been an amazing servant for the game in Welsh rugby. He’s been an outstanding player and a great human being in the environment,” head coach Tandy said.
“Whoever’s spoken about Will said he added so much value to the national game, both on and off the pitch. Obviously, it’s disappointing for us to lose a player of that quality, but we’re totally understanding around his circumstances and wish him all the best for his future.”
The Racing 92 lock was also part of the 2021 Six Nations-winning squad and represented his country at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
🗣 Head coach Steve Tandy on Will Rowlands following his decision to retire from international rugby today 🏴👇
Diolch am popeth Will 👏#CymruAmByth pic.twitter.com/TKvngA1krc
— Welsh Rugby Union 🏴 (@WelshRugbyUnion) October 21, 2025
Rowlands started his professional rugby career at Wasps in 2013 and played over 100 times for the side before its demise, then signed for Welsh outfit, the Dragons.
In 2023, he joined Top 14 giants Racing 92, who he will continue to represent as he steps aside from international rugby.
His announcement is a major blow to Wales’ preparations for the November internationals against Argentina, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa.
