Former Wales hooker Rees to retire

Former Wales hooker Matthew Rees has announced that he will retire at the end of the season.

The 38-year-old returned last month after undergoing knee surgery and has decided to call time on a 19-year professional career when Cardiff Blues’ campaign comes to an end.

Rees won 60 caps for Wales and toured South Africa with the British and Irish Lions a decade ago.

The former Scarlets captain is determined to end his playing days on a high by sealing a European Rugby Champions Cup spot.

“I’ve made my decision to retire based on a few reasons but mainly age isn’t on my side anymore and it’s been a tough journey with an injury like an ACL reconstruction and its rehabilitation.” said Rees.

NEWS | Matthew Rees will retire at the end of the season following a unbelievable career. #ThanksSmiler #392AndCounting

Full story to follow… pic.twitter.com/5Ua9rCXD02

— Cardiff Blues (@cardiff_blues) February 13, 2019

“I’ve managed to get through that and I’m now able retire on my own terms after an illustrious career.

“I haven’t featured much this season because of the injury but now I want to go out on a high. We have three months left and hopefully I can play a part in those remaining games.

“The next few weeks are going to be huge, especially when you consider how tight it is in the league table. 

“We’ve put ourselves in a decent position in the Pro14 and we have some big games coming up. We’ve had a taste of the Champions Cup again and that’s where this region wants to be and where the players want to challenge themselves.”

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