Amy Evans has retired from Test rugby with Wales women to focus on work and family commitments.
The 29-year-old, who also represented her country at weightlifting, won 35 caps after making her debut in the famous win against England in 2015.
Evans, last season’s Ospreys Women player of the year, owns a gym in Aberdare and recently became engaged.
“If I’m doing something, I need to give it 100 per cent commitment and I don’t feel I’ve been able to give the shirt everything it deserves recently, I even had to miss a few games during the autumn,” she said.
“I’ve realised my priorities have changed and my happiness lies with my family at the moment.
“You’re here for a good time not a long time and I want to be more available to spend quality time with my fiancée and stepchildren.
“I feel I’ve fulfilled most of my rugby goals. I’ve played in the Six Nations and a Rugby World Cup. I’ve scored international tries and yes I could have gone on to play at the next World Cup in New Zealand but it just feels right to step away now and have a complete break.”
Evans has type one diabetes, which has given her “extra motivation”.
She said: “I’ve always managed it well and want to show diabetes doesn’t have to stop you doing anything.”
The prop believes her teammates will push on after an encouraging autumn that featured wins against Ireland, Scotland and Crawshay’s.
“It’s definitely on the right road. Even during this last autumn series, we’ve made huge progress and part of me would love to stick around to be part of the next few years,” said Evans.
“We’re certainly not the finished article, we’re at the start of an exciting journey and I feel women’s rugby in Wales will go from strength to strength over the next four-year cycle.
“Even though I won’t be playing, I will always feel part of the team and will continue to support the girls.”
