FORMER Wales, British and Irish Lions and Scarlets centre Jonathan Davies has announced his retirement from professional rugby.

The 36-year-old, who won 96 caps for Wales, left Scarlets at the end of the 2023-24 season having scored 55 tries in 209 appearances across two spells for the Welsh region.

“After taking time away from the game following the end of my last season with the Scarlets, I have come to the decision to call time on my professional rugby career,” Davies wrote on Instagram.

“I have enjoyed a break and a summer at home with my family, and been lucky enough to spend quality time with my newborn son, alongside my wife, as we embark on this new chapter together as parents.

“I will inevitably miss the camaraderie of training and playing competitively alongside my team-mates, but over these past few months I have been able to assess all of my options and reflect on a career of which I am incredibly proud.”

Davies won two Grand Slams with Wales and played six Tests on two tours with the British and Irish Lions, in Australia in 2013 and New Zealand in 2017.

He was voted player of the series against the All Blacks by his Lions team-mates.

“It’s been an incredible ride, with two Lions tours, two Grand Slams, and the Pro 12 title to name a few,” Davies added.

“I have been lucky enough to play the game professionally for 18 years, dedicating everything I have to being the best rugby player I could be. I now look forward to what the next 18 will bring, as a father, a husband, and in my next professional chapter.”