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Rugby Union

Former Wales and Lions centre Taylor to quit rugby

02/05/2008

Ospreys centre Mark Taylor has announced his intention to retire from professional rugby at the end of the season.

The 35-year-old, who won 52 caps for Wales and toured Australia with the British and Irish Lions in 2001, will hang up his boots after a stellar 16-year career.

Taylor scored Wales' first ever try at the Millennium Stadium when he crossed the whitewash against South Africa nine years ago and was also part of the squad that won a Six Nations Grand Slam in 2005.

In total, he scored 11 tries for his country and played for a number of top club sides throughout his career, including Pontypool, Swansea, Llanelli Scarlets and Sale Sharks.

"I'm 35, I've had an enjoyable and successful career and I feel that opportunities for me to get regular rugby are only going to get less and less so I think its best to make the decision myself rather than have someone make it for me," he said.

Taylor said he felt "now is the right time" to retire, despite having no immediate plans for life after rugby.

"I'm going to take a short break, but I can't see me playing any further rugby at a lower level," he continued.

"I've suffered with knee problems throughout my career so it's a case of quitting while I've still got my health.

"I would like to stay in the game in an administrative role if possible, I've got chartered accountancy qualifications and it would be great if I could combine that with rugby somehow."

Ospreys head coach Lyn Jones paid tribute to Taylor's "professionalism", saying he had been "a pleasure to work with".

"On behalf of everybody at the Ospreys, I'd like to wish Mark all the best for his future," Jones added.

"He's enjoyed a great career at the highest level, and has had success in both Wales and England, as well as internationally."