'Part of me will always wonder what could have been': Ellis Jenkins

Former Wales captain Ellis Jenkins has said that he “will always wonder what could have been” if he had not suffered his career-threatening knee injury in 2018, after announcing his retirement on Monday.

The 30-year-old confirmed through his club Cardiff that his season will be his last in professional rugby.

The ACL injury suffered against South Africa in 2018 was a contributing factor to this decision, as Jenkins told the Cardiff website that his “knee still requires a lot of management,” and that he is no longer able to train how he likes.

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The injury in a man of the match performance against the Springboks kept Jenkins out of action for more than two years, and though he did return to captain Wales in 2021, it curtailed a career that was tipped for greatness. A return of only 15 caps is not reflective of the potential the flanker had.

Jenkins took to social media shortly after his retirement was announced, where he said that his comeback from the knee injury is something he will be proud of, but he is in the same position as much of the Welsh fandom in wondering what could have been.

It been fun 🫡 1/2 pic.twitter.com/itWRNeZpbw

— Ellis Jenkins (@EllisJenkins_) April 22, 2024

“I feel incredibly lucky to have been able to play rugby for a living for the past 13 years but I have decided that this season will be my last,” he wrote.

“To represent Cardiff Rugby from the Blues academy days until this final season has been an honour. Cardiff Arms Park is a special place with incredible supporters and a huge amount of history. My last home games on Saturday will be emotional and running out to a packed Arms Park is something I will really miss.

“I also loved having the opportunity to represent Pontypridd RFC after growing up watching Ponty and the Celtic Warriors at Sardis Road.

“Playing for Wales is something I imagined as a kid while I practiced my goal kicking for hours and hours after training for Llanttwit Fardre. Although I never got to kick the winning penalty in a World Cup final as planned, to represent Wales was a dream come true. To do so multiple times as captain is something not many people get to do and will always be something I am extremely proud of.

“I’ve met some amazing people throughout my career who will be friends for life, and I would like to thank everyone who has supported me along the way. I’ve learned so much from so many people and you’ve made me a better player and a better person.

“A special mention goes to my parents. From driving me to academy training before school and to different sports every day after school, to travelling all over the world to watch me play for Cardiff and Wales, I can’t thank you enough.

“Also to my wife, Sophie, thank you for always thinking I was the best player on the pitch, regardless of how I’d played, and for supporting me through the highs and lows throughout the years. Thank you especially for your support and encouragement when things weren’t going my way during rehab and I was ready to give up.

“Part of me will always wonder what could have been if I hadn’t got injured in 2018, but fighting back to play for Wales and the Principality Stadium again after over two years out is also something I look back on with pride.

“I always thought this would be a tough decision but in truth it isn’t. I guess when you know you now. I am excited to start the next chapter of my life with my young family and with the same commitment and enthusiasm that has served me well throughout my rugby career. I’m also looking forward to standing on the terraces and supporting the boys with a pint in my hand.”