"The list of highlights is endless - I wouldn't change a thing"

The Wales great who also represented the Scarlets and Lions with distinction

- KEN OWENS

THE DECISION to retire from playing rugby was probably taken out of my hands, which made it easier. But deep down, when you know, you know.

You’ve got to put yourself, your family and body first.

Up until about three months ago, I was still on track to get back on the field. I went through a load of tests for my back and it was all good. Then slight complications came in and I was back to square one.

Right now, I can’t drive for long periods of time, I can’t sit for long periods either. The maximum amount of exercise I can do is walking and at the moment I can’t look after our baby on my own because I can’t bend down to pick him up. If I do it more than a few times it’s a struggle.

The idea of hitting a ruck now – I’d still love to do it, I would probably really enjoy it, but then the reality kicks in! It’s probably the worst thing you could do. Hitting another ruck or scrum is right down on my list of priorities now.