Wales stalwart Gethin Jenkins has revealed he will call time on his rugby career after one last appearance for Cardiff Blues on Sunday.
The most-capped Welshman in history will have a run out in the Guinness PRO14 clash against Zebre on Sunday as he ends his glittering career.
The Blues announced that the 37-year-old prop will bring the curtain down on a career that saw him win 129 Wales caps and tour three times with the British and Irish Lions, playing in five Tests.
Jenkins, who made his Wales debut in 2002, has been battling to overcome a chronic knee injury.
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 a good innings, it's time to finish and I am looking forward to one more run-out on the weekend and hopefully finishing on a high.
"The pain I have been experiencing from rugby, in my daily life, simply isn't tolerable, but it is important to me that after all the work I have put in, I run out with my team one last time and finish on my own terms."
#ThankYouGethin #DiolchGethin
— Cardiff Blues (@cardiff_blues) October 31, 2018
Cardiff Blues legend, and Wales' most-capped international, @gethinjenkins1, will bring his illustrious career to an end after Sunday's clash against Zebre at Cardiff Arms Park. One of the greats! pic.twitter.com/AoHIkI7WMN
Jenkins proud of career
Jenkins has played almost 200 games in two stints with the Blues, while he also captained Wales during an international career that spanned 14 years and saw him play a major role in three Six Nations Grand Slam campaigns.
Reflecting on his career, Jenkins added: "I have so many memories from over the years and could stay here all day listing them, but the biggest thing I will miss is that camaraderie with the boys, the buzz of running out and playing and the feeling in the changing rooms after a win.
"I am very proud of everything I have achieved in my career."
Jenkins will now take up a coaching role within the Cardiff Blues academy.
And Blues head coach John Mulvihill said: "Gethin Jenkins is a legend of Welsh rugby, a great servant for both club and country and it is fitting that he finishes his career in front of his home crowd at Cardiff Arms Park.
"After 13 seasons at Cardiff Blues, at the top of his game, this weekend marks the end of an era at the club."
