'Retiring at 27 will definitely be strange' - Hallam Amos walks away from rugby

It’s rare that players walk away from successful rugby careers in their mid-twenties, but that’s exactly what Wales and Cardiff back three star Hallam Amos is doing at the age of just 27.

Amos is not being forced to quit the sport because of an injury – rather he’s choosing to leave the rugby to further pursue medicine. By any measure he’s had a career he can be proud of, having represented Wales at two World Cups and during a handful of Six Nations’ campaign.

“After a decade of professional rugby, the 2021/22 season will be my last,” Amos told the club website. “I’ve experienced a lot in rugby and have been fortunate to go to two Rugby World Cups, a Commonwealth Games, several Six Nations and I’ve had a lot of great times in the regional game.

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“I’m very grateful for the incredible experiences I’ve had but the time has almost come to face a new challenge. I am happy with what I have achieved and telling Dai and Cardiff, and Wayne (Pivac) and Wales, early so they can plan for the future sat a lot easier with me.”

He’s also sustained his share of injuries including shoulder and knee surgeries, but now it looks more likely that he’ll be on the other side of that quotation in the near future, as he plains to make use of his medical training.

“It’s always been my intention to finish when I complete my degree and this season aligns nicely with the final year of my medical studies, so a perfect time to transition from pitch to hospital.

“Throughout my years combining university with a rugby career I’ve had plenty of support – from the WRU, from the Dragons for the first few years of my career, from Cardiff Rugby more recently, and from Cardiff University itself – and I’ll always be thankful for their willingness to accommodate both aspects of my life.”

Amos represented the Dragons over 100 times, Cardiff 32 times, as well as racking up a quarter-century of caps for Wales.

“Particular thanks go to Dai and Wayne who have been understanding over the last couple of weeks as I’ve talked to them about the thought process behind my decision.

“Retiring at 27 will definitely be strange but I’m fully committed to Cardiff Rugby for the rest of the season and hopefully I can finish on a high over the next few months.”