1
Ex-Wales winger Chris Czekaj announces his retirement
By Online Editors
Ex-Wales winger Chris Czekaj has announced his retirement from playing at the age of 34. The nine-cap back suffered a badly broken leg versus Australia in 2007 but he battled back, going on to spend most of his career with Cardiff Blues, his local club.
Taking to Twitter to announce that he is calling it quits, Czekaj said: “After 15 years as a player, it's time to end my professional career. I’m hugely thankful for the game and what it has given me, and I feel extremely privileged to be able to play for so long and at the level I have.
"I have had the honour to represent my country on nine occasions, the first being in 2005 vs Canada and scoring on my debut. This is the fondest memory of my career.
“However, the proudest moment for me was four years later. After being told I may never play again through injury, I returned to international rugby in 2009 vs Canada, scoring on the same field in the same corner as in 2005.
“During my time in the game I’ve not only been lucky enough to visit some amazing places around the world but I’ve been fortunate enough to live in a foreign country. I have learnt a new language and experienced a new culture and this is all thanks to rugby.
“I’ve learnt how to react to setbacks such as selection and underperformance with humility, drive and a work ethic to put it right. I have learnt I am able to come back from the brink of retiring with a sheer refusal to believe I wouldn’t play again.”
Aside from playing for Cardiff, whom he represented 143 times between 2005 and 2014 and won the 2010 Challenge Cup with, Czekaj also had spells with Colomiers, Valence Agen, Bedford Blues and Merthyr. He now hopes to develop a coaching career.
“I’m hugely excited about developing further as a coach, passing on my experiences and teaching others the values that I’ve learned from rugby,” he added.
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Six players Rassie Erasmus must hand Springbok debuts to in 2025
3
Gloucester respond to complaints over Russian flag
4
'Best forward in the country': Dallaglio calls for new England captain
5
Latest Comments
David Kriel is an average player. Sure he has pace but isnt physical enough and doesnt have the skill set. Fouche is a decent player but lacks experience and Du Toit and Wilco Louw have the experience and the pedigree to take over from Koch and Malherbe. Du Toit can also pack down on both sides like Nyakane could so he is a natural fit. Hooker has real potential, he has pace and power and is a reliable tackler. He might be the most natural replacement for De Allende at 12 but is still nowhere near his level. He needs exposure and would agree with his selection so he can develop. Julius is such a talent but not ready for the big time. Throws too many wild passes and always goes for the offload. Great pace though and has a feel for space. Gumede drops the ball too much otherwise has pace and versatility and deserves a shot. JC Mars is not ready and needs to be nurtured. Hartzenberg deserves a look in as he is quite a versatile player and does alot well. He tackles well, runs well and passes well. Ruan Vermaak is ready, Nohamba is in between a 10 and a 9 but deserves a call up to prove his worth. Erasmus does have plenty of options
Go to commentsAB's not scared of the Boks at all. They know they can beat them anywhere in country. They will also know that the Springboks will be the biggest threat to their record. The Boks will also know that many of their players will be 1 year older this year. Will Frans Malherbe, De Allende, Kolisi, Etzebeth and several others still be as good as they were last year. Time will tell
Go to comments