Due to injury Wales stalwart forced to retire from the game

Due to injury Wales stalwart forced to retire from the game 

Wales and Ospreys star Paul James has been forced to retire from the game due to injury.

The 36-year-old hasn't featured in a competitive match since coming on as a replacement during the Ospreys' win over the Dragons on New Year's Eve last year.

In a statement, the much-loved prop revealed that a shoulder injury has refused to heal despite two operations and rehabilitation.

He said: "I'm sad to say my time has come to an end. After two shoulder operations and a lot of rehab, I'm afraid that my shoulder hasn't recovered.

"I would just like to thank everyone who has supported me over my career and has helped me achieve everything I did, especailly my wife Louise as she had to go through the highs and lows with me.

James has played 232 times for the Ospreys, despite having a stint at Bath between 2012 and 2015.

During his time at the Liberty Stadium, he helped the region claim their four Celtic League titles and the Anglo-Welsh Cup in 2008.

He also helped Wales to the 2011 Rugby World Cup semi-final in New Zealand and was part of the squad that reach the quarter-finals four years later in England.

The straight-talking prop had also been coaching at Neath RFC this season but left the club, along with many other coaches, players and volunteers, amid the financial crisis that has engulfed the Welsh All Blacks.

He also owns a bistro and bar in Neath called Ten21

James played 66 times for Wales - even though he was forced to wait six years for his second cap - and was part of the side that won the Grand Slam in 2012 and the Six Nations title in 2013.

After announcing the news on social media, former Ospreys team-mate Nikki Walker replied: "Congrats Pal, what a career! Enjoy the rest and time with family."

Former Wales team-mate Richard Hibbard said: "The legend, one of my best mates, one of the most complete players I’ve ever had the joy to play with."

Current Wales prop Rob Evans simply remarked: "What a legend."