By David Williams
Former Wales hooker Richard Hibbard has announced his retirement from rugby.
Hibbard played 38 Wales internationals and three Tests for the Lions on the 2013 successful tour of Australia. The 38-year-old made his Wales debut against Argentina in 2006 and the last of his Tests came nine years later at home to Ireland.
“I’m sad to say my body has finally said enough is enough,” said Hibbard. “What a ride it’s been. I’ve been lucky enough to do everything I’ve wanted, and more, in this great game.”
Hibbard started his career with Swansea in 2002 and made 175 appearances for Ospreys before spending four seasons with English side Gloucester, where he also made more than a century of appearances.
He joined Dragons in the summer of 2018 and has made 60 appearances, scoring three tries which included a hat-trick against Connacht in February 2021.
“Something that’s truly special in rugby is the bond you make with the ‘brothers’ who you go to war with every week, and not just the team on the Saturday, the whole squad, every session leading to the weekend,” added Hibbard.
Happy retirement Richard Hibbard!
Imagine looking up and seeing Hibbard about to tackle you? Terrifying stuff. https://t.co/VPgP4BSvmM pic.twitter.com/4kQxXSOlJ8
— Andrew Forde (@andrewfrugby) January 21, 2022
“During every win, loss, winning streak, losing streak, trophies, injuries, the boys, they kick you when you’re down, and kick you even harder when you’re up.
“That’s what you do it all for, that slightly weird friendship. I wouldn’t change it for the world.
“I thank the supporters – Ospreys, Gloucester, Dragons, Wales, Lions, Barbarians – you’ve all been immense, and it’s been a pleasure and an honour to get battered in your name.”
Hibbard had special praise for his wife Louise who he described as the “most important person” and his three children, Tiella, Summer and Jaxson.
“Everything great built is always from a strong foundation, and she’s been mine,” he added.
“Through injuries, selections, travel, the day after games, grumpiness, Lou’s been the reason I’ve been lucky enough to do what I’ve done in rugby.”
💪🏼😀🏉😢💪🏼 pic.twitter.com/OBS3bfMOjw
— Richard Hibbard (@richardhibbard2) January 21, 2022
Dean Ryan, director of rugby at the Dragons, said: “Hibbz has been an important figure during my time at Dragons, both his efforts on the field and his work developing youngsters within our squad.
“His contribution to Welsh rugby has been enormous over the years, especially when you consider what he achieved and the impact he made for Wales and the British & Irish Lions.
“I’m sure he will be greatly missed by supporters of our game, with whom he always had a great affinity.
“He leaves us with our best wishes and Hibbz and his family will always be warmly welcomed back to Rodney Parade in the future.”