Difficult decision but timing is right – Wales’ Sioned Harries ends rugby career
Wales international Sioned Harries has announced her retirement from rugby.
The 34-year-old won 78 caps and played in four World Cups, with her final Test match being at the WXV1 tournament in 2023.
Harries’ farewell appearance will be for Welsh side Brython Thunder against Celtic Challenge opponents Gwalia Lightning in Llanelli on Sunday.
Back-row forward Harries first featured for Wales against Australia during the 2010 World Cup, and went on to score 28 Test tries.
She also represented Wales in Commonwealth Games and World Series sevens tournaments, and captained the Scarlets.
“This was a difficult decision, but the timing is right for me,” Harries told the Welsh Rugby Union’s official website.
“I wish to thank my family and friends, team-mates and coaches – past and present – and all the backroom staff, and even my opponents, for bringing the best out of me.
“To think when I started, playing rugby for Wales was a hobby and not validated or recognised by many.
“Now, it is professional contracts, playing in front of record crowds, with all the media and commercial interest that we could only have dreamt about when I started at Aberaeron RFC.
“There were times when playing for Wales was hard for all the wrong reasons. Now, it is hard for all the right reasons.
“Life isn’t always perfect, and if I was younger I would relish the opportunity young players now have to achieve their dreams.”
Wales head coach Ioan Cunningham added: “Sioned’s standing in the game is without question, and she has given so much to Wales and the jersey.
“To play in four World Cups is a stamp of her quality and determination and is a feat that won’t be matched by many players in the game.
“The commitment she has shown, combining her job as a full-time teacher and as an international player, underlines how much it meant to her to represent her country.”
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The difference between Fassi and Le Roux?
Almost 100 tests. Fassi is growing from test to test and is already world class. It’s going to be difficult for Damian Willemse to usurp Fassi at 15 and may find himself destined as the utility back on the bomb squad.
South Africans love hating on their fullback. A proud tradition since Percy Montgomery (before he won us a World Cup). So I don’t pay much mind to the noise that follows anyone who puts on the 15 jersey for SA.
15 is a high risk, low reward position. You don’t dare drop a high ball, certainly don’t shank a kick into the stands. In fact if you’re not kicking 60m torpedoes into the opposition corners - stay at home.
And miss tackles? After everyone else on the team has let a break through - best you not miss!
Only Andre Joubert strikes me as a fullback that has been better than Willie. Yet Willie has been widely panned on a regular basis. Irritating.
Fassi is great. And I’m sure he’s learning a lot from Willie.
Go to commentsNo, Penney's win rate as a Super Rugby coach BEFORE he was given a 2 year contract here, was 23%. He came in with a very poor success rate at SR level.
This loser vibe was borne out over the SR season where we won only 4 games while losing 10. Finishing 9th in a 12 team competition & missing a QF spot was next level DOWN.
There's zero evidence that suggests we will win 10 games (70%) as you predict. I understand there may be new assistant coaches coming on board. At this stage, we can only hope for the best.
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