Former Wales international Jonathan Davies retires from professional rugby… calling time on his illustrious 18-year career after spell away from the sport

Former Wales, Great Britain and Ireland Lions and Scarlets center Jonathan Davies has announced his retirement from professional rugby.

The 36-year-old, who earned 96 caps for Wales, left Scarlets at the end of the 2023-24 season having scored 55 tries in 209 appearances across two spells for the Wales region.

“After taking some time away from the game following the end of my final season with the Scarlets, I have made the decision to end my professional rugby career,” Davies wrote on Instagram.

‘I have enjoyed a break and a summer at home with my family, and I have been fortunate to spend quality time with my newborn son, along with my wife, as we embark on this new chapter as parents together.

“I will inevitably miss the camaraderie of training and playing competitively alongside my teammates, but over these past few months I have been able to evaluate all my options and reflect on a career that I am incredibly proud of.”

Davies won two Grand Slams with Wales and played six Tests on two tours with the British and Irish Lions, to Australia in 2013 and New Zealand in 2017.

His Lions teammates voted him player of the series against the All Blacks.

“It has been an incredible journey, with two Lions tours, two Grand Slams and the Pro 12 title to name a few,” added Davies.

‘I have been lucky enough to play professionally for 18 years, dedicating everything I have to being the best rugby player I can be. “I now look forward to what the next 18 years will bring, as a father, husband and in my next professional chapter.”