Jonathan Davies Announces Retirement from Rugby

Jonathan Davies, the 36-year-old Wales rugby star, has announced his retirement from the sport after an illustrious career spanning over 18 years. In a heartfelt interview, he reflected on his top moments, the impact of his coach Warren Gatland, and what comes next in his life. Davies, who has recently become a father for the first time, has left the Scarlets and hinted at exploring new opportunities. However, he has decided to draw a line in the sand and move on from what has been a special time in his life.

Key Takeaways:

• Davies has announced his retirement from rugby after an 18-year career, with over 200 appearances for the Scarlets and 96 caps for Wales.
• His highlight of playing for the Scarlets was winning the Pro12 in 2017, which he credits to the team's strong squad and their commitment to a particular style of play.
• Davies has fond memories of playing for Wales, including winning Grand Slams, championships, and playing in the Principality, and considers being able to play with his brother for Wales one of his best moments.
• He also spoke highly of his coach Warren Gatland, crediting him with giving him confidence and backing him through his career.
• Davies will be throwing himself into his testimonial and looks forward to spending more time with his family, as well as exploring opportunities in the media, such as the new BBC Scrum V podcast.
• Davies' career highlights include playing in two World Cup semi-finals, in 2011 in New Zealand and 2019 in Japan, and winning the Pro12 with the Scarlets in 2017.

Statistics:

• Davies has made over 200 appearances for the Scarlets.
• He has 96 caps for Wales.
• Davies was 14 or 15 when he realised he could have a career in rugby.
• Daniels has won the Pro12 with the Scarlets in 2017 and played in two World Cup semi-finals.
• Davies will be working on his testimonial for the next six months.

Sources:

• Byline: By, Ruth Mosalski
• "I was fully aware that I wasn't expecting an opportunity in the URC, we wanted as a family to maybe travel and maybe look to enjoy the early part of our new family so the moment had come and for me it just felt right to draw a line in the sand, move on from what's been a very special time in my life, I'm excited about what's next to come." - Jonathan Davies
• "I think that period of time where we went on a bit of a run for the Scarlets it as great to be a part of some of the best rugby I think I've played in with that group we had. It was good on and off the field." - Jonathan Davies
• "I think Grand Slams, championships, playing in the Principality, playing with my brother for Wales was something that was an amazing moments for us as a family, that is probably is definitely up there as one of my best moments in a Welsh jersey." - Jonathan Davies
• "The two semis are both really close and always look back and you know, in 2011 we probably should have won that game even with 14 men but we went into our shells,. That was probably the one that really got away. In 2019 we were we had a lot of injuries." - Jonathan Davies