James King announces immediate retirement

Ospreys backrower James King has announced his retirement from professional rugby with immediate effect.

The 11-times Welsh capped international made his Ospreys debut in 2009 and is sixth on the all-time appearance list for the regional franchise.

King has been dogged by a shoulder injury and has taken the decision to retire on medical advice.

The 30-year-old played all his rugby at the Ospreys and made 203 appearances, scoring seven tries during his career at the Liberty Stadium.

A versatile forward who could play across the back five of the pack, King was a firm favourite of the Ospreys faithful. A highly respected figure in Welsh rugby saw King become chairman of the Welsh Rugby Players Association.

Only second row Alun Wyn Jones, props Paul James and Duncan Jones, fly half Dan Biggar and centre Andrew Bishop have made more appearances for the Ospreys.

He made his Ospreys debut against Glasgow in 2009 and made his Wales debut against Japan in 2013.

James King, Ospreys and Wales, said:

“When trying to come back from the shoulder injury I sustained last season, I was still getting a lot of pain and just knew something just wasn’t right with it.

“Further scans have now gone on to show that the operation has failed and that my shoulder has not healed enough to continue playing rugby. I’m therefore announcing my retirement from professional rugby with immediate effect. 

“Rugby has given so much to me and I’m truly grateful for all of it. I’ve travelled all over the world, met some incredible people along the way and had experiences that will stay with me for a lifetime..."