Scott Gibbs has left an indelible mark on rugby

A quiet man off the field, Gibbs will be remembered as one the most destructive centres of his era.

He brought a 10-year Test career to an end in 2001, and has now decided the time is right to walk away from rugby.

Here, some of the leading figures in rugby pay tribute to Gibbs' contribution to rugby union and league.

Commentary: Gareth Charles on Scott Gibbs '99

Jonathan Davies, former Wales team-mate
"His record speaks for itself. He did extremely well for Wales, the Lions and won the Challenge Cup with St Helens.

"He will be remembered for bringing a large mental toughness to the game and a physical presence in midfield."

"He was one of the greatest players of his era and, more than that, he would have been great in any generation you wish to name."

Martin Johnson, former England captain and Lions team-mate
"He was a true professional, a great character and team player. The try he scored in Wembley in 1999 when Wales beat us will go down in Welsh history.

"He had a fantastic career, and in rugby league as well. He's got a lot of miles on the clock - he played for Wales at a very young age and I can understand his decision to quit."

Iestyn Harris, Wales rugby league team-mate
"He's been amazing in his training, he's remained so strong and really he's going to go down in my book as one of the ultimate professionals.

"Whenever he's been asked to perform he's done it, whether it was with Wales, the Lions, St Helens or one of his clubs in union."

John Bentley, former Lions team-mate
"There was always a degree of scepticism when players came from union to league in the late 80s and early 90s, but Scott had a real passion for the game and wanted to test himself to see if he could hack it in league.

"At that time, if you were a back in union you could go through an entire game without making a tackle or a break, but in league there was no hiding place, and Scott proved to be one of the best conversions."

Roger Blyth, Ospreys joint-managing director
"Scott is one of those rare players to whom, in my opinion, Welsh rugby owes a great deal.

"He has been a consummate professional throughout his career, someone who is proof positive that Welsh rugby can deliver the very best of the best when it comes to not only club rugby, but European and international rugby also."