Wales winger Hallam Amos is to retire from rugby at the end of the season to focus on his medical career.
Aged just 27, Amos has recently completed his clinical medical exams and has decided the time is right to call it a day, with the decision to hang up his boots next June.
With 25 Wales caps to his name, Amos was part of the 2019 Grand Slam-winning side, as well as the 2021 Championship victory. Amos also helped Wales reach the 2019 World Cup semi-finals.
He said: “After a decade of professional rugby, the 2021/22 season will be my last. I’ve experienced a lot in rugby and have been fortunate to go to two Rugby World Cups, a Commonwealth Games, several Six Nations and I’ve had a lot of great times in the regional game.
“I’m very grateful for the incredible experiences I’ve had but the time has almost come to face a new challenge. I am happy with what I have achieved and telling Dai (Young) and Cardiff, and Wayne (Pivac) and Wales, early so they can plan for the future sat a lot easier with me.
“It’s always been my intention to finish when I complete my degree and this season aligns nicely with the final year of my medical studies, so a perfect time to transition from pitch to hospital.
“Throughout my years combining university with a rugby career I’ve had plenty of support – from the WRU, from the Dragons for the first few years of my career, from Cardiff Rugby more recently, and from Cardiff University itself – and I’ll always be thankful for their willingness to accommodate both aspects of my life
“Particular thanks go to Dai and Wayne who have been understanding over the last couple of weeks as I’ve talked to them about the thought process behind my decision. Retiring at 27 will definitely be strange but I’m fully committed to Cardiff Rugby for the rest of the season and hopefully I can finish on a high over the next few months.”
Amos will finish out the season with Cardiff, who he joined ahead of the 2019-20 season after nine years with the Dragons.
