'The time is right' - Four-time Six Nations winner Ken Owens retires at age of 37 due to back injury

Legendary Welsh hooker Ken Owens has announced his retirement from rugby at the age 37 due to a persistent back issue.

Owens, 37, won four Six Nations titles appeared at three World Cups and earned 91 caps for Wales.

Domestically he captained Scarlets and was part of the team that won the URC, then the Pro12, in the 2016-17 season - the second title in the club's history.

Owens' back has been a problem for a number of years, as well as his neck, but he managed to be fit enough to captain Wales at the 2023 Six Nations, becoming the country's oldest-ever captain in the process.

However, he has now confirmed that he has to step away from the sport even though he is "reluctant" to do so.

"Not playing has been challenging but the time is right to follow medical advice and hang up my boots," Owens said.

"It might not be the dream ending but my career has been more than I could have dreamt of.

"Had I written the script, there would have been one more game for Wales, for the Scarlets and ultimately Carmarthen Athletic. A chance to sign off and thank everyone involved. It was not to be.

"Whilst part of me wishes I could have done more, I am well aware that if you had told me as a kid I would be fortunate enough to experience what I have, I wouldn't have believed you."

Wales head coach Warren Gatland said of Owens: "Ken has had an incredible rugby career and been a brilliant ambassador for the game in Wales.

"Ken is an incredibly passionate Welshman. I know it meant a lot to him to play for Wales and you could see that every single time he wore the red jersey.

"He has been a dedicated professional and a great leader, always helping drive standards but also popular with his teammates. It was an easy decision to name him as captain."

Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel added: "Ken is undoubtedly one of the greatest players to have worn the Scarlets jersey.

"I can't speak highly enough of him as a player and a person. He is someone who wears his heart on his sleeve, has been a warrior on the field and has always led by example.

"He epitomises all the core values of our great club, a proud west Walian, a family man with his heart firmly in his community.

"If ever the young players at the club wanted a role model for their professional career, they should look to Ken Owens."

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