Davies, who earned 77 caps for his country, confirmed the decision on social media, reflecting on a journey that began in 2014 and saw him represent Wales in three Rugby World Cups, win a Six Nations title, and play a key role in the 2019 Grand Slam.
Davies, 34, captained Wales in his final international match, a 36-35 win over Queensland Reds in Brisbane in an uncapped fixture. “It was my childhood dream to represent my country, and I have loved every moment in a Wales jersey,” Davies shared.
“From winning my first cap on the summer tour back in 2014 to playing in three Rugby World Cups, winning a Six Nations championship, and a Grand Slam… it really has been special. Thank you to my family, my wife Katy, my friends, and all the fans for their support over the past decade.”
Davies’ decision comes just days before Wales head coach Warren Gatland is set to announce his squad for the upcoming autumn internationals. Gatland praised the Scarlets half-back, stating, “Gareth has been a great player for Wales over the last decade and has always given everything in the red jersey. His tries against England in the 2015 World Cup and Australia in 2019 and 2023 were memorable moments. He and his family can be proud of his international achievements.”
A standout moment in Davies’ career came during the 2015 Rugby World Cup when his match-winning try against England at Twickenham contributed to the host nation’s early exit from the tournament. He finished the 2015 World Cup with five tries, including pivotal scores against Fiji and South Africa in the quarter-final.
In his career, Davies scored 17 tries for Wales, placing him among the country’s top international scorers. He was selected for the British & Irish Lions tour in 2017, though he didn’t feature in a Test match, and he helped Scarlets secure the 2017 Guinness PRO12 title with a try in the final.
At the club level, Davies developed through the Scarlets Academy, joining in 2006, and played for Newcastle Emlyn and Llanelli before cementing his place with the Scarlets senior team. His consistency earned him his first Wales cap in 2014 during the summer tour of South Africa, and he quickly became a key player, known for his pace and game-changing ability.
Davies also contributed to Wales’ Guinness Men’s Six Nations victories, playing a crucial role in both the 2019 Grand Slam and the 2021 Championship-winning campaigns. He started three matches in each of those tournaments and was a consistent presence off the bench in the others.
Looking ahead, Davies is excited to continue his club career and contribute to the game in the years to come. “I still have a lot to give to the game, and I’m looking forward to the last few years of my club rugby career,” he said, expressing his gratitude to the Welsh rugby community for their support over the years.”
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