'Surreal': Amos posts retirement note after season-ending injury

Wales back three player Hallam Amos has played his final rugby match as a professional following a season-ending hamstring injury sustained during last Friday’s URC defeat for Cardiff at Munster. The 27-year-old, who earned the last of his 25 Test caps last July versus Argentina, had announced in October that this would be his last season playing as he wanted to concentrate on his medical career. 

That exit has now happened a few games earlier than planned as Amos won’t take the field again this season for Cardiff and he has now taken to social media to say his farewell: "It still feels surreal to say I’m retiring at 27. (And no doubt I’ll have some flickers of regret mid-way through my first night shift...),” he wrote. 

"Over the last decade, rugby has provided some unforgettable memories. Pulling on the jersey for my country, my home region and the Welsh capital region is something for which I’ll always be thankful, and to do these things alongside some of my closest mates was an incredible privilege. 

“Rugby has also given me the opportunity to travel the world - I’ve been fortunate enough to play on six of the seven continents (Antarctica will have to be a goal in retirement). I’ll look back on these last few years very grateful for what I’ve been able to experience.

"Rugby is a pretty brutal sport and I’ve definitely had my fair share of injuries, from four shoulder ops, knee surgery and an elbow dislocation to this recent hamstring tear. Time away from the pitch does give you a bit of perspective and the chance to reflect, and injuries allowed me to catch up on my studies, so sometimes a blessing in disguise. 

“As I begin my life on the other side of the injury relationship, I’ve got a lot of gratitude for all the physios and docs who have helped me to walk away from the game (relatively) unscathed. Most importantly, thank you to everyone who has supported me over the years. To every teammate with whom I’ve shared a changing room, to all the coaching and backroom staff, to the fans and the rugby family in general, it’s been an absolute pleasure. 

“To the WRU, Cardiff Rugby, the Dragons, Monmouth School and Cardiff University, thank you for all your help in combining my studies with rugby. Thanks to my agent Derwyn for your guidance throughout my career. Finally, thank you to all my family and friends, especially my parents and my girlfriend Meg, for always being there. It’s been a hell of a journey but I’m definitely excited for a new chapter to begin. Diolch."