Former Wales and Scarlets captain Ken Owens has announced his retirement following medical advice aged 37.

The Hooker has not played since his regions’ European Challenge Cup semi-final loss to Glasgow almost 12 months ago, missing the World Cup with Wales due to a back injury.

His last appearance in the red of Wales was as captain against France in 2023.

In a statement, Owens said: “Reluctantly, I am announcing my retirement from rugby.”

“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.

“Whilst part of me wishes I could have done more, I am well aware that if you had told me as a kid I would be fortunate enough to experience what I have, to have worked with and played with the people I have and taken the pleasure I have from this amazing game, I wouldn’t have believed you.”

Owens finishes his career with 91 Wales caps with five test caps for the British and Irish Lions across two tours to New Zealand and South Africa.

The Carmarthen born Owens also amassed 274 appearances for the Scarlets, whilst captaining the region for a record seven successive season, having made his debut aged 19 in a pre-season match against Northampton Saints alongside centre Jonathan Davies.

For his country he was a part of four Six Nations winning sides including two Grand Slams whilst appearing at three world cup and won the league with Scarlets in 2016/17.

“There are countless people I would like to thank,” Owens added.

“My mother and father have supported me from the minute I first played, my sister Victoria was capped before me so even though the novelty had worn off, they still managed to encourage me on my journey.

“My club, Carmarthen Athletic, gave me so much, a brilliant introduction to rugby and friends for life. I can never thank the people there adequately while my only professional club, Scarlets, believed in me and I hope my loyalty over 19 years has repaid the faith you showed.

“To have played 91 times for Wales is an honour I can never fully describe.

“To be a Lion, I am lost for words.”

Owens said he “will take some time to reflect” before he decides what he does next but undoubtedly fans of Scarlets and Wales will hope he remains involved within the game having been a crucial figure both on and off the field.

Paying tribute to Owens, Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel said: “Ken is undoubtedly one of the greatest players to have worn the Scarlets jersey.”

“From when he started here as a youngster in the Academy, he has remained a one-club man throughout his career and been an outstanding ambassador for the Scarlets.

“I can’t speak highly enough of him as a player and a person. He is someone who wears his heart on his sleeve, has been a warrior on the field and has always led by example.

“He captained the club the season we won the PRO12 title, led us to a Champions Cup semi-final, but more importantly, he epitomises all the core values of our great club, a proud West Walian, a family man with his heart firmly in his community.

“If ever the young players at the club wanted a role model for their professional career, they should look to Ken Owens. He is someone who is going to leave a massive hole and he will be missed by everyone here at Parc y Scarlets, his team-mates, coaches and all the staff.”