Scarlets and Wales tight-head prop Samson Lee has been forced to retire aged 31 following a long-standing Achilles injury.
Lee has not recovered since rupturing his Achilles tendon during a training session in South Africa in March 2022.
“It has been a difficult 18 months,” said Lee.
“I have worked hard to try and get back playing again, but the Achilles hasn’t recovered as we all hoped it would.”
Lee did feature for Llandovery in the Welsh Premiership in May 2023, but has not played for Scarlets since suffering the injury.
After making his Wales debut in November 2013 against Argentina, Lee played 45 internationals for his country and was part of the 2019 Grand Slam-winning squad.
He played in the 2015 World Cup with his last cap coming against England in Llanelli in November 2020.
Scarlets boy
Lee was part of the Scarlets side that won the Pro12 final against Munster in May 2017. He played 164 matches for the region across 12 seasons after making his senior debut as a 19-year-old against Narbonne in 2012.
“I feel as though I still had a lot to offer, both with the Scarlets and Wales, but I’m hugely proud, as a Llanelli boy, that I have been able to represent my home town, wearing the Scarlets jersey 164 times and also played for my country on the biggest stage,” added Lee.
“There have been plenty of highs, making my debut at the age of 19, brilliant wins in Europe and of course, that league title out in Dublin – a special day with a special group of people. There have also been the challenges of trying to battle back from some serious injuries.
“I was hoping there would be a few more years left, but it’s not to be. There’s a lot of fantastic young talent coming through here, especially in the front row, and I look forward to seeing how they get on over the coming years.
“I’d like to thank my family and friends, players, coaches and all the staff who have made it such a brilliant experience over the last 12 years and, of course, the fans, who turn up week in, week out and give us such incredible support.”
Lee will lead out the Scarlets side with his family before the home derby against Ospreys on Tuesday, 26 December.
“It’s sad news for us all. Samson has been a big part of this club for a long time and a real character and leader within the group,” said Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel.
“We have all seen how hard he has worked to try to get back playing again, but he should be immensely proud of what he achieved for this club – [he is] one of our finest ever tight-head props and a player who gave his all for the jersey every time he played.
“We all wish him and his family well for the future and I’m sure he will get a deserved ovation from the Scarlets supporters before our game here against the Ospreys on Boxing Day.”
