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Former Wales international Tom James has announced his retirement at the age of 33.<\/p>\nFormer Wales international Tom James has announced his retirement at the age of 33.<\/p>\n
The winger won 12 international caps and remains Cardiff\u2019s record try scorer with 60 to his name.<\/p>\n
The former Cardiff and Exeter player spent his final season with Scarlets.<\/p>\n
He took a break from rugby in January 2018, while in his second spell with Cardiff, in a bid to deal with a long battle against depression.<\/p>\n
In a statement on the Scarlets\u2019 official website, James said: \u201cWith a lot of time to think, I\u2019ve made a decision to retire from professional rugby.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have loved the opportunity that the Scarlets have given me this season. It\u2019s been an awesome experience meeting new players, coaches and staff who will be friends for life.<\/p>\n
\u201cLooking back, I have some wonderful memories over the last 14 years; from signing my first contract at Cardiff Blues, running out onto Twickenham to make my Wales debut against England in 2007 and the couple of seasons I had with Exeter Chiefs.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve had unbelievable experiences in so many countries and that is all down to rugby.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have been fortunate to have been coached by the best coaches and have played with some of the best players in the world, including my idol Gareth Thomas.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo all the supporters, the rugby family as a whole, I can\u2019t thank you all enough, but the biggest thanks of all goes to my own family, friends and the many people who have helped me through my career.\u201d<\/p>\n
Scarlets head coach Brad Mooar added: \u201cI am thrilled for TJ that he has had this positive experience at the Scarlets and is now able to make this decision on his own terms.<\/p>\n
\u201cHaving enjoyed an outstanding career, all of us at the Scarlets wish TJ, Brooke and their children well for the future.\u201d<\/p>\n