Posted by Cardiff full-back Hallam Amos has decided to retire from professional rugby at the end of the current campaign to focus on his career in medicine.
The 27-year-old made his debut for the Dragons aged just 17 back in October 2011 becoming the youngest player to feature for a Welsh side in the post-2003 era before making his senior Wales debut just two years later against Tonga.
Amos went on to play 115 times for the Newport-based side, scoring 36 times, before switching to Cardiff in the summer of 2019 where he has played 32 times and scored six tries to-date. He also has 25 Welsh caps to his name, scoring six tries for his country and appearing at the 2015 and 2019 Rugby World Cups.
Alongside playing professional rugby he has also been studying a degree in medicine at Cardiff University which he recently completed, and it is to follow a career path in that area that he will hang up his rugby boots next summer.
Speaking to the club’s official website Amos said, “After a decade of professional rugby, the 2021/22 season will be my last. I’ve experienced a lot in rugby and have been fortunate to go to two Rugby World Cups, a Commonwealth Games, several Six Nations and I’ve had a lot of great times in the regional game.
“I’m very grateful for the incredible experiences I’ve had but the time has almost come to face a new challenge. I am happy with what I have achieved and telling Dai and Cardiff, and Wayne (Pivac) and Wales, early so they can plan for the future sat a lot easier with me.
“It’s always been my intention to finish when I complete my degree and this season aligns nicely with the final year of my medical studies, so a perfect time to transition from pitch to hospital.
“Throughout my years combining university with a rugby career I’ve had plenty of support – from the WRU, from the Dragons for the first few years of my career, from Cardiff Rugby more recently, and from Cardiff University itself – and I’ll always be thankful for their willingness to accommodate both aspects of my life
“Particular thanks go to Dai and Wayne who have been understanding over the last couple of weeks as I’ve talked to them about the thought process behind my decision. Retiring at 27 will definitely be strange but I’m fully committed to Cardiff Rugby for the rest of the season and hopefully I can finish on a high over the next few months.”
Cardiff Rugby Life 