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Jenkins – Why I Retired

“It’s the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make in my life. You would have thought that after representing your country 87 times it would be easy to let go, but it isn’t,” said the 31-year-old Jenkins.

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“Coming to terms with a decision that brings to an end such a big part of my life isn’t easy. It is a decision that has left a huge hole to fill.

“I know it’s not the time to talk of regrets, but my dream was to play 100 Tests before I quit. I’ve played 87 times for Wales and four times for the Lions, so I will end up just nine short of the magical three figure mark.

“What’s even more agonising is that I’ll be ending my Welsh career having played in 99 matches for my country – 87 times for the full Test side, 10 more on Welsh tours and twice in Wales XV games against the Barbarians. If only there were a chance of playing once more!”

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A string of injuries over the past two years have combined to force Jenkins to revue his test career. He tells of the pain he suffered from arthritis in his knee during the Lions tour and of the frustration of suffering three successive injuries this season.

Jenkins made his debut for Wales as a teenager against England in Cardiff in 1991. Since then he has grown into a world star who now heads the Welsh cap list with 87, the world points rankings with 1,090 and holds a clutch of Welsh records.

He was the man who kicked the conversion of Scott Gibbs’ try at Wembley that brought Wales their stunning victory over England in 1999 and the record breaking points scorer for the 1997 Lions on their triumphant tour of South Africa. His last appearance for Wales was against Romania at The Racecourse earlier this season.

His senior career has seen him score more than 5,000 points in 399 games (that includes tonight’s game at Ebbw Vale) and he will continue to rack up the points for one more season.

“I’m not quitting rugby altogether. I’ve signed a one-year deal with the new Bridgend-Pontypridd Region and I’m looking forward to going out in style next season,” said Jenkins.

“I’ve had a great career and I hope to be able to give something back to the fans next season by completing a full season.”

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