Gethin Jenkins to retire from rugby following Zebre clash

Cardiff Blues has today confirmed that Gethin Jenkins will call time on his illustrious career after this Sunday’s PRO14 clash with Zebre at Cardiff Arms Park.

The Wales record-appearance maker has been battling back from a chronic knee injury and made two appearances for Cardiff Blues A in the Celtic Cup, and it has now been deemed that his right knee is not healthy enough to continue playing on a sustained basis.

Jenkins said: “I have been working hard rehabbing over the last three months and I was confident I was going to be back playing so it’s disappointing to be retiring after Sunday’s game against Zebre.

“It’s obviously a big decision but I’ve had good innings, it’s time to finish and I’m looking forward to one more run out on the weekend and hopefully finishing on a high..."

While Jenkins is second on the Blues’ all-time appearance list, trailing only Taufa’ao Filise, with 194 matches, he has won 129 Wales caps and five for the British and Irish Lions during two of his three tours.

The loosehead prop played a pivotal part in four Six Nations titles, including three Grand Slams, and in his one season away from Cardiff Arms Park, won the Heineken Cup with Toulon.

He will now take up a coaching role within the Cardiff Blues academy as he transitions to life after playing.