Wales international Aaron Shingler calls time on career

Wales international Aaron Shingler has announced he will retire from rugby at the end of this season.

The 35-year-old Scarlets flanker made his debut for the region in 2009 and has clocked up more than 220 appearances.

He also won 27 Test caps and was part of the 2019 World Cup squad in Japan, when Wales reached the semi-finals.

“It has been an extremely tough decision to make, an emotional few weeks for myself and family,” Shingler said, in a statement released by the Scarlets.

“I would have loved to keep going in the Scarlets jersey, but the body is telling me now is the right time to call it a day.

“There have been some tough times, some difficult injuries to overcome, but I have loved every minute and I feel immensely proud to have played as many games and for as long as I have.”

Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel added: “‘Shings’ has been an immense contributor to the Scarlets, a player who has always given his all to the cause.

“He has been awesome to work with, and I am sure all the squad will want to give him the send-off he deserves over the next few weeks.”