Wales star calls it a day, steps into coaching role

NEWS: Josh Turnbull has played his last game of professional rugby after agreeing to take up a coaching position within the Cardiff academy set-up.

The Wales forward announced his retirement from rugby with immediate effect at the age of 36.

This brings down the curtain on a career that spanned 17 years – a time he says passed ‘in the blink of an eye’.

The 36-year-old has confirmed his 200th appearance for Cardiff last month is to be his last.

Capped 11 times by Wales at senior level, Turnbull made 334 top-level appearances for both Cardiff and the Scarlets over an incredible 16 years.

He joined the capital city region from Scarlets in 2014 and quickly established himself as an integral member of the first-team squad.

He played a key role as Cardiff lifted the 2018 Challenge Cup, picked up the Peter Thomas Player of the Season award in 2021-22, and made his 200th appearance for the club last month.

“It’s been a difficult decision to call time on my career, which has gone in the blink of an eye, but I am comfortable it is the right one,” he said.

“Rugby has given me so much and I am now looking forward to the next chapter in my career.”

“With close to 350 games of professional experience under my belt, I am now looking forward to the next chapter in my career, and I’m very grateful to Cardiff for giving me an opportunity to continue coaching within the academy set-up.

“There is so much talent coming through in this region; you only need to look at the lads who have come through this year to see that, and I’m excited to pass on my experience.”

He is currently second in the United Rugby Championship’s all-time appearance charts and had his sights set on John Muldoon’s record; however, his selfless physical approach has finally caught up with the talisman, who has struggled through injuries.