Richard Hibbard (ex-hooker for the Dragons in Wales, British and Irish Lions) has announced his retirement immediately.
Hibbard participated in 38 Wales internationals as well as three Tests for Australia on the 2013 successful tour to Australia.
The 38-year old made his debut in Wales against Argentina in 2006. His last Test was nine years later, at home to Ireland.
Hibbard said, “I’m sorry to say that my body has finally said enough is sufficient.”
“What an amazing ride! “I’ve had the opportunity to do everything I wanted and more in this amazing game.”
Hibbard’s career began with Swansea. He made 175 Ospreys appearances. After that, he spent four seasons at Gloucester in England where he played more than 100 times.
In the summer 2018, he joined Dragons and has since made 60 appearances. His tries include a hat-trick in February 2021 against Connacht.
Hibbard signed a new deal in May 2021 to stay with the Dragons for the current season.
His only appearance of the season was against Ospreys in September.
Hibbard made his international debut in 2006 and was invited to the Wales squad for Australia. He was also part of Gareth Jenkins’ preliminary World Cup squad, although he did not appear in any global tournament.
Hibbard was first selected by Warren Gatland for the two-Test series against South Africa in summer 2008, before being retained for the autumn internationals against Canada.
He donned the Wales shirt again the next summer on their North American tour, but went on an international hiatus before returning to the fold in 2011.
Hibbard’s influence grew, and by the 2013 Six Nations, he had started four of five matches for Wales as they retained their championship.
He was then selected for the Lions squad to face the Wallabies 2013 and made three Test appearances including the start of the series decider in Sydney.
Hibbard added, “Something truly special in rugby’s is the bond you have with the ‘brothers” who you go into war with every week and not just the Saturday team.”
“During any win, loss or winning streak, losing streaks, trophies and injuries, the boys kick anyone who is down, and kick even more when they are up.
“That’s why you do it all for that strange friendship. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
“I would like to thank my supporters – Ospreys. Gloucester. Dragons. Wales. Lions. Barbarians. You’ve all been tremendous and it’s been a pleasure.
Hibbard had high praises for Louise, his wife and mother, whom he described as “most important person”. He also praised his three children Tiella Summer, Summer, Jaxson.
He said, “Everything great is built from a solid foundation, and she was mine,”
Lou has been my inspiration, through injuries, selections and travel, the day following games, grumpiness, and all the rest.
Hibbard told BBC Radio Wales Sport that he won’t be seeking coaching roles immediately, despite his involvement in player development at Dragons.
Instead, he wants to take a “step away” from the sport. He said: “I will end up getting stuck into with the boys if i [try]Coaching immediately
He also acknowledged that the decision to leave was more difficult than he thought. [it would be]”
Hibbard stated that “half of me was sorta relieved by the way my body felt; half of it still gets it, because I still absolutely love playing rugby.”
“But I honestly don’t know which is worse: getting battered on a pitch or being battered emotionally by all the lovely messages I’ve been getting.”