Our co-founder Alex Cuthbert is officially hanging up his boots after a highly decorated playing career that included Grand Slams, Lions tour victories, European Cup wins, and many, many tries!

Read his goodbye to professional rugby in his own words:

After an incredible journey, the time has come to officially announce my retirement from professional rugby. You may have thought I had done so already, but for me this draws a definitive line under my time as a rugby player as I prepare for my next chapter.

It all started at Westbury-on-Severn and Hucclecote, two grassroots clubs that introduced me to the game I grew to love. Without those early days and the people who supported me, none of this would have been possible.

A huge thank you to Steff Bartlett, my first coach, and Martin John, my PE teacher at Newent School, who helped shape my early rugby path.

Special thanks to Paul John, who gave me my first opportunity to represent Wales through sevens. That moment changed everything. And also to Craig Hill, who somehow figured out I was actually Welsh, while playing for The Mauraders. I owe you for opening that door.

I spent 10 unforgettable years at Cardiff, coming through the academy with lifelong friends. The club gave me my first real opportunity, which led to the honour of representing Wales.

Winning Grand Slams and Six Nations Championships in the red jersey remains some of the proudest moments of my life.

That success led to the pinnacle of my career: being selected for the British & Irish Lions. Pulling on that jersey was beyond anything I ever dreamed of. I have so many unforgettable memories of that 2013 tour: hearing my name read out on selection day, pulling on the shirt for the first time, scoring a test try, and winning the series.

At club level, my time at Exeter Chiefs brought the most enjoyable three years of my club career, winning both the Premiership and Heineken Cup alongside a special group of players and staff is something I’ll always treasure.

I finished my career at the Ospreys, where I was given the opportunity to wear the Welsh jersey once again, but this time, with my young family watching me play. To represent my country with my kids in the crowd meant more than words can say. It was a moment I’ll carry with me forever.

To my mum and dad and my brother Patrick, thank you for pushing me, supporting me, and being there every step of the way. Your belief helped get me here.

And to my wife, Sarah, thank you for being by my side through everything, from the mighty highs that rugby can bring, and all the lows that come with it as well. You were there for it all. Without you, I honestly think I would’ve stopped playing a lot earlier. Your support and strength kept me going.

If there’s one word to sum up this journey, it’s resilience. The ability to keep showing up, keep working, and keep believing has taken me from those early days at Westbury-on-Severn all the way to World Cups and Lions tours.

To every coach, teammate, fan, physio, and friend, I want to say a massive thank you. You have all helped shape not just my career, but who I am as a person.

Rugby has given me more than I could have ever imagined. Now it is time for the next chapter – full of gratitude and no regrets.

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