Wales prop Hale retires from rugby

Wales prop Cerys Hale has announced her retirement from rugby following Wales’ Test win against Spain last Saturday that sealed World Cup qualification and a place in WXV2.

The 31-year-old, capped 49 times by Wales, retires after a career spanning more than a decade.

Newport-born Hale played in the 2017 World Cup in Ireland and in the 2022 edition in New Zealand.

Hale will continue to be involved in rugby in Wales as she will take up a role in regional rugby with her local club as Dragons’ women’s pathway manager.

“This was an easy decision after playing rugby at the highest level for most of my adult life, and it is time to move on and dedicate my time to my role with the Dragons and developing the next generation of talent in Wales,” Hale said.

"Playing for my country has been an honour and to play in two World Cups is something I look back on with real pride.

"To see the game go from amateur to professional during my career has given me a real insight to how much the game has changed since I started playing for Newport High School Old Boys when I was 11.

"Women’s rugby in Wales is in a completely different place to when I started, with professional contracts.

"With my role with the Dragons, I see how much talent there is out there now believing they can be a professional rugby player in Wales.”

Hale made her Wales debut as a replacement against Ireland in the 2016 Six Nations tournament and she was part of the Wales squad that played in the WXV1 tournament in New Zealand in 2023, with her final Test match against Australia in Auckland.

The tight-head prop started her career at Pontyclun RFC and played for Dragons before switching to current English champions Gloucester-Hartpury in 2019, helping them to back-to-back league titles.

Hale says her role with the Dragons is a “full-circle moment”.

"I have to thank my wife, my family, friends and teammates and coaches for their support down the years. You have been with me all the way and your support has been the reason I played for my country, thank you,” she added.

"After falling in love with the game in the stands of Rodney Parade, it feels like a full-circle moment to be hanging my boots up to go into a full-time role with the Dragons."

"To be selected for three World Cups and to play in two is a real achievement for any international player,” Wales head coach Ioan Cunningham added.

“To have someone with her experience passing on her knowledge to the next generation of players in Wales will be invaluable. We thank her for what she has done in the Wales jersey and wish her all the best in her new role."