BBC SPORT | Rugby Union | Celtic | Garin calls it quits

Former Wales hooker Garin Jenkins has acted on surgeons' advice and retired from rugby because of a persistent neck injury.

He was told that the injury could be operated on, but that it would involve the doctors going through his rib cage.

Jenkins said: "The engine feels like a two-year-old Mercedes, but the body will struggle to get through another MOT."

He added: "You've got to listen to medical advice. I've recovered from previous injuries but the fresh injury has created a numbness in the fingers.

Garin Jenkins factfile:

DoB: 18/8/66

Born: Ynysybwl

Height: 5ft 10in

Weight: 18st 5lb

Wales caps: 58

Wales tries: 2

Wales debut:
4/9/91 (v France)

Clubs:
Ynysybwl, Taupo, King Country, Pontypridd, Pontypool, Swansea

"The scans show there's a fresh bulge and a narrowing of the spinal canal."

The 36-year-old is Swansea's longest-serving player but he will be sorely missed by all Welsh rugby fans, who have always cheered his commitment on the pitch.

Garin on denying Neath the title in 2002

Although those abrasive qualities occasionally landed him in trouble with referees, Jenkins always added something extra to any front row he played in.

Garin after a head-butt from Olivier Azam

As a Pontypool player he made his Wales debut in 1991 against France, earning a place in the World Cup squad that year and playing against Western Samoa, Argentina and Australia.

Jenkins arrived at St Helen's soon after the tournament and Swansea have had his services and loyalty ever since.

Jenkins is Wales' most-capped hooker, also featuring in the 1995 and 1999 World Cups.

Among Wales forwards, only Neath skipper Gareth Llewellyn has represented his country more times.

"From an international stand point, the World Cups, the Five Nations and the special victories are life-long memories," Jenkins said.

"I'm just privileged and glad to have been part of them."

Opting to retire from the international scene in 2000, bowing out against South Africa, Jenkins concentrated on his club rugby.

Garin Jenkins
Jenkins led Swansea to the 1998 league title

He had already skippered the All Whites to a league title in 1998, and scored a memorable try in Swansea's famous 21-6 win over the 1992 touring Wallabies.

Jenkins was also at the heart of Swansea's efforts as they lifted the 2001 Welsh-Scottish League crown, his fourth championship in total.

The hooker enjoyed himself in knock-out competition, too, and has appeared in six Welsh Cup finals - five for Swansea and one for Pontypool.

However, a career where he never knowingly took a step backwards took its toll and while the spirit has never faded, unfortunately Jenkins' body has had the final say.

He said: "I enjoyed every game I played for Wales and had great times at every club I played for.

"It's been good."

Pay your tributes to Garin Jenkins


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