Wales international Paul James forced into retirement

by Frank Nickson Wednesday 26 December 2018

Paul James played 66 Tests for Wales

©PA

Wales international Paul James has announced retirement from professional rugby with immediate effect following a shoulder injury.

James has played for Wales in 66 Tests in a career that spanned between 2003 and 2016. He also played for the national side in two successive World Cups in 2011 and 2015 and also enjoyed a Grand Slam success in Six Nations.

The 36-year-old confirmed the news in the social media platform Twitter revealing that he hasn't made sufficient recovery from the surgeries he underwent on his shoulder.

“I’m sad to say my time has come to an end,” he wrote.

“After two shoulder ops and a lot of rehab I’m afraid that my shoulder hasn’t recovered.

“I look back with no regrets and loved every second of it.

“I will miss the banter with the boys but hope to get a new buzz out of dipping my toes into coaching.”

James made his professional rugby debut with Welsh club Neath in 2001 and joined Ospreys in 2003. He enjoyed two stints with the Liberty Stadium outfit after rejoining them in 2015 and has racked up over 200 appearances for them.

The 6 ft 1 in prop also has experience of playing for Swansea and Bath Rugby.