Back injury forces Wales hooker Owens into retirement

English Woman's Journal - Back injury forces Wales hooker Owens into retirement

SPORTS 17.04.2024

Back injury forces Wales hooker Owens into retirement / Photo: Anne-Christine POUJOULAT - AFP

Wales hooker Ken Owens announced his retirement on Wednesday after failing to recover from a persistent back injury.

Change text size:

Owens, capped 91 times by Wales, has not played since appearing for the Llanelli-based Scarlets in last season's Challenge Cup semi-final against Glasgow Warriors.

The 37-year-old had surgery last July on a bulging disc pressing upon a nerve in his back and withdrew from Wales' squad for the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.

There had been hopes Owens, a former Wales captain, would return to action.

But he was unable to recover and Owens, Wales' most-capped hooker, has now decided to call time on a career that yielded 274 appearances for the Scarlets.

"Reluctantly, I am announcing my retirement from rugby," Owens said in a club statement.

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

"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.

"It might not be the dream ending but my career has been more than I could have dreamt of," explained Owens, who also represented the British and Irish Lions in five Tests across tours of New Zealand (2017) and South Africa (2021).

Owens made his Scarlets debut as a teenager and went on lead them to a Pro12 title in the 2016/17 season.

He also won two Grand Slams and two further Six Nations titles with Wales and was their captain in last season's Championship, when he made his final Test appearance.

The 2023 Six Nations also saw Owens, as Wales skipper, representing the views of his teammates after they threatened to strike over contractual disputes ahead of the game against England.

Ch.McDonald--EWJ

Mets President David Stearns Expresses Confidence in Marcus Semien's Motivation

New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has identified Marcus Semien’s self-motivation as the primary factor in his potential recovery from an underwhelming debut season. Speaking at the general managers meetings in Las Vegas, Stearns affirmed that the team remains confident in Semien’s ability to improve, even as they evaluate other infield options for next year.

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.

English Woman's Journal - Back injury forces Wales hooker Owens into retirement