The world rugby players who’ll be gone by the end of the year

Nothing lasts forever, as they say, and no matter how indestructible some of the world’s best rugby players may look while out on the field, there has to come a time when they call it a day.

So far this year, we’ve seen some of the biggest names in international rugby bow out, with modern greats including Alun Wyn Jones, Sergio Parisse and Johnny Sexton all announcing their retirements, either from Test rugby or the game altogether.

The most shocking announcements have come from Wales, with 37-year-old Jones confirming he was walking away from the Test arena less than two hours after teammate Justin Tipuric revealed he was also leaving Warren Gatland’s side. Both men had been included in the initial 54-man Welsh training squad for this year’s World Cup, but decided to quit four months out from the tournament kicking off.

They have since been followed by scrum-half Rhys Webb, who became the third Welshman to quit despite winning back his place in Gatland’s side and shining during the Six Nations.

However, it’s not just happening in Wales, with Six Nations stars and World Cup winners from across the globe either quitting their international side or retiring from the game for good.

These are some of the biggest names bowing out this year:

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Alun Wyn Jones

The former Wales skipper called time on his incredible 17-year international career in May, as he announced he would not be going to the fifth Rugby World Cup of his career having been in “ongoing dialogue” with Welsh coaching staff and the WRU.