Justin Tipuric of Wales has announced his retirement from international rugby just four months before the World Cup.
Tipuric has been nominated to Warren Gatland’s 54-man training squad for the competition in France in September.
The Ospreys flanker, 33, has 93 caps to his name.
On social media, he made the shocking news, saying, “During the off season, I’ve had time to reflect on my career, and now seems the right time to step away from international rugby.”
Tipuric, a three-time British & Irish Lions visitor, has not offered a reason for his decision but has said he would continue to play for his regional team Ospreys.
He made his Wales debut against Argentina in 2011 and has won the Six Nations in 2012, 2013, 2019, and 2021.
He was a major player of Wales’ World Cup teams that reached the quarter-finals in 2015 and the semi-finals in 2019, and he was set to play in a third tournament in France in September after being chosen to Gatland’s preliminary squad.
“It’s been a privilege to put on the Welsh jersey and have so many great memories,” he said in a statement.
“I’d like to thank all of the players and coaches I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the years, as well as the wonderful support I’ve received from the Welsh public.”
“I’m looking forward to spending more time at home and focusing all of my efforts on playing for my hometown team, the Ospreys.”
