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.
In a lengthy statement, the 37-year-old, who is the most-capped rugby player of all time, said becoming a professional rugby player was "a dream come true" as he thanked all those who had supported him through his Test career, which saw him win countless accolades including five Six Nations Championships and three Grand Slams, as well as two World Cup semi-finals.
He said: "Having been selected in this year’s preliminary Rugby World Cup squad, and after ongoing dialogue with the coaching staff and the WRU, I have decided to step away from the international game. So, after 17 years I look back on special memories with Welsh greats and future Welsh greats."
Just over a week after announcing his retirement, the talismanic lock skippered the Barbarians in their 48-42 win over a World XV at Twickenham and days later turned out for the invitational side again as they faced his old club Swansea.
Asked about his future following the game at Twickenham, Jones said: "[As for] whatever's next, if something pops up, there might be something domestic, I won't be back with the Ospreys.
"But if nothing does I can be pretty happy with my innings anyway, but we'll see what comes in the next few months".
Justin Tipuric
Jones' announcement came 80 minutes after fellow Wales great Justin Tipuric confirmed he was also retiring from international rugby.
The back-row favourite, who won 93 caps for Wales over 12 years, did not give a specific reason for his decision other than saying "now seems the right time to step away".
The 33-year-old, who made his Wales debut in 2011 and won four Six Nations titles. had been sidelined for the last month of the regular domestic season after picking up a foot injury.
In a statement released by Win Sports Management on behalf of Tipuric, the three-time British and Irish Lions tourist said: "During the off season I've had time to reflect on my playing career and now seems the right time to step away from international rugby. It's been a privilege to put on the Welsh jersey and have so many great memories.
"I'd like to thank all the players and coaches that I've been fortunate enough to work with over the years and the wonderful support I've received from the Welsh public. I'm looking forward to spending more time at home and putting all my energies into playing for my home region the Ospreys."
Rhys Webb
Webb became the third Welsh veteran to announce his international retirement in May, following Jones and Tipuric in stepping down from the Test arena despite also being named in Warren Gatland's extended World Cup training squad.
Making the announcement 100 days before the tournament's start date, the 34-year-old said he would have loved to end his professional career at a Welsh region, but the "present uncertainties and difficulties" in Welsh rugby meant there was "little opportunity for a contract that offered security for the coming years".
With his Ospreys contract expiring at the end of the 2022/23 season, Webb has now accepted an offer to play abroad.
His international retirement came as somewhat of a surprise, with the scrum-half shining at this year's Six Nations after being recalled by Gatland and putting in a man-of-the-match performance in Wales' sole victory of the campaign over Italy. While he was expected to battle it out with Tomos Williams for the starting No.9 jersey in France this autumn, he instead walks away from the Test arena without representing his country at a World Cup, having been ruled out through injury in 2015 and by the now defunct 60-cap rule four years later while playing at Toulon.
"Having the opportunity to play for Wales again, recently, has been a huge honour and I am proud to have been named as part of the World Cup training squad," said Webb as he took to social media to confirm his retirement. "However, whilst I would have relished the chance to end my career playing for a Welsh region, the present uncertainties and difficulties in Welsh rugby, meant there was little opportunity for a contract that offered security for the coming years, as I see out my professional career.
"As such, when the opportunity to play abroad arose, during the off season, enabling me to provide greater career security for myself and my family, I decided to accept the offer," he added. I feel that, after achieving my goal of returning to the Wales set-up, it is the right time now for me to step away from international rugby and just enjoy my last few years as a professional rugby player"
Johnny Sexton
The Ireland great confirmed last year that he would be hanging up his boots after the 2023 Rugby World Cup, with the fly-half saying he would "miss everything about the game" in an emotional statement.
Sexton represented Ireland at three World Cups and won four Six Nations titles, with the 37-year-old captaining his country to Grand Slam glory in his final ever game in March, which also saw him become the competition's all-time record points scorer. However, he also picked up a groin injury in that game which ruled him out for the remainder of the season.
At club level, he played 189 times for Leinster over two stints at the club either side of a spell at Racing 92 and won four Champions Cup titles as well as six PRO14 titles and a Challenge Cup.
Announcing his retirement plans following the 2022 Six Nations, Sexton said: "Yeah, finished, 2023 World Cup. I'm delighted to be able to say it. I've been beating around the bush for six months, always nervous talking about the World Cup when you weren't guaranteed to be there.
"But I just want to make the most of this last 18 months of my career, and go out on the top. It's up to me now to work hard and get the body and mind in the best shape possible, and attack the last 18 months."
However, the Irishman's plans to bow out at the World Cup have been thrown into doubt after being caught allegedly abusing referee Jaco Peyper during Leinster's Champions Cup final loss to La Rochelle, as reportedly called the South African official "a f***ing disgrace".
Stuart Hogg
The Scotland full-back is also set to retire from rugby after this year's World Cup.
A three-times Lions tourist, Hogg made a century of appearances for his country and scored a record 27 tries after making his debut back in 2012. During the 2021 Six Nations, he also led his side to a first win at Twickenham since 1983 and a first away win in France since 1999.
He played over 120 times in nine years at Glasgow Warriors, before joining Exeter Chiefs after the 2019 World Cup, where he went on to become a European and English Premiership champion.
Announcing his shock retirement in March, the 30-year-old said: “As a young kid growing up in The Borders all I wanted to do was to play rugby for Scotland. I feel privileged to have represented my country on 100 occasions, play on 3 British & Irish Lions tours and represent some amazing clubs. I couldn’t have asked for any more.
"Knowing what lies ahead," he added. "I have a real hunger to play the best, most enjoyable rugby of my career, finishing the season strongly with Exeter Chiefs before attacking the opportunity we, as a nation, have in France. After the tournament, a new career beckons and I will attack in the same manner as I play the game. I hope I have done you proud.”
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Dane Coles
Former World Rugby Player of the Year nominee Dane Coles is another star hanging up his boots at the end of 2023, with the hooker calling time on a 17-year career which has seen him win a World Cup with New Zealand and represent Wellington Lions and the Hurricanes in the Mitre 10 cup and Super Rugby respectively.
The 36-year-old has scored 100 Test points for his country, making him the third-highest scorer among All Blacks forwards ever, level with Ardie Savea and just behind Richie McCaw and Kieran Read.
He has also become the third most-capped hooker in All Blacks history, with his 84 caps putting him behind the legendary Sean Fitzpatrick and Keven Mealamau.
Announcing that he would retire after this year's World Cup, Coles said: “Thank you to Pōneke FC, Wellington, the Hurricanes and the All Blacks for giving me my dream job. I’m looking forward to enjoying the year and creating some new memories.”
All Blacks coach Ian Foster added: “Dane is a hundred percent committed, loves his family, loves his rugby. And there is no doubt about his absolute commitment to the Hurricanes and the All Black jersey.”
Sam Whitelock
The All Black great is also set to call time on his international career after signing a two-year contract with French side Pau, where he will join his younger brother Luke following the World Cup.
A two-time World Cup winner and former New Zealand captain, Whitelock is the third-most capped international player of all time with 143 caps. He could even break his country's appearance record - currently held by Richie McCaw on 148 - before walking away from the Test arena at the end of the year.
The Crusaders lock has played abroad once before, having taken a brief sabbatical to play for the Panasonic Wild Knights in Japan in 2019.
"I'm looking forward to discovering rugby in France and facing this challenge," said Whitelock as the signing was confirmed. "It's great to be able to play with my brother in the same team and not against each other. My family and I are looking forward to discovering French culture and learning the language."
Brodie Retallick
Whitelock's second row partner Brodie Retallick is also set to end his glittering All Blacks career following this year's World Cup, with the star reportedly leaving New Zealand towards the end of the year.
The 31-year-old has won 100 caps for his country and is set to win more in France, but has been linked with a move to Japan, with the national team's eligibility policy ruling him out of playing Test Rugby for the foreseeable future.
According to New Zealand media, Retallick has reportedly signed a three-year deal to re-join Japanese club Kobelco Kobe Steelers, which would see him play there through to 2025/26. He previously represented the club on 15 occasions in the 2020/21 season.
A move to the Steelers would see him join up with former Wallabies and Chiefs coach Dave Rennie. The lock was a key member of Rennie’s Chiefs side that won the Super Rugby title in 2012 and 2013.
Aaron Smith
Another high-profile All Black departure, Aaron Smith has confirmed he will also be leaving New Zealand at the end of 2023, having signed with Japanese side Toyota Verblitz.
The Highlanders centurion has committed to a long-term contract with the side and looks set to see out his playing days in Japan, calling time on a glittering Test career which has seen him become New Zealand's most capped back of all time with 117 appearances and win both the Rugby World Cup and the Super Rugby title
Confirming the move overseas, 34-year-old Smith said he had been "living my dream", with the half-back also representing the Manawatū Turbos in provincial rugby for 13 years between 2008 and 2021.
“From the time I signed my first contract in 2008 until now, I have been living my dream,” he said. "I have been blessed to represent my home with the Manawatū Turbos, who helped me chase my dream of being a Super Rugby player.
“I have to say a big thanks to the Highlanders for believing in me. I have done it all with that team and they have always been there for me. Thank you to every Highlanders player, staff member and fan. You have given me everything and more in the 13 years we have had together.”
Smith will be joined in Japan by All Black teammate Beauden Barrett, with the 32-year-old also making the move overseas to join Toyota Verblitz - however, he may not be leaving New Zealand for good with his agent working on a deal that will shape his future beyond next year.
Sergio Parisse
After promising to do so twice before, the Italian great has finally hung up his boots for good, bringing to an end a 21-year-playing career which has seen him play at five World Cups and win two Top 14 titles and two Challenge Cups.
He had previously announced he would retire from Test rugby after the 2019 World Cup but had a change of heart after his final game against New Zealand was cancelled due to a typhoon threat. He made the same vow in 2021 but again changed his mind, playing on until the age of 39.
The Toulon star was given a standing ovation as he left the field in his final match against Bordeaux-Begles last month before his teammates gave him a guard of honour. That moment just a week after Parisse won the final piece of silverware of his career, with his side winning the Challenge Cup courtesy of a 43-19 rout over Glasgow.
Speaking after the win, Parisse told BT Sport: ""It means a lot. It's difficult to put some words on emotions. It's good for the team, for me personally, it's important - I try to enjoy every moment with the team, and I'm really happy because I think we really deserve the win.
"I'm Italian, so I'm emotional in everything I do. Tonight it was about just trying to enjoy, and just happy to play with this group, and happy to finish my career with Toulon. Just enjoy it, and have a good night in Dublin with the boys."
Mathieu Bastareaud
Parisse's Toulon teammate Bastareaud was given the same treatment against Bordeaux-Begles, with the former France centre also given a standing ovation before returning to the field via a guard of honour in his final game.
He signed off just days after confirming he would retire at the end of the season, having returned to Toulon this season and added a Challenge Cup to his haul of three Champions Cups and one Top 14 title he won in his first spell at Stade Mayol between 2011 and 2019.
The 34-year-old, who played his final test for Les Bleus in 2019, also played for Massy, Stade Francais, Lyon and American side Rugby United New York during a 17-year club career.
Announcing his retirement after winning the Challenge Cup in Dublin, Bastareaud told BeIn Sport: "It will be my last trophy and next week, it will be my last match at Mayol."
Chris Ashton
The pacy back is hanging up his boots after an 18-year career which saw him represent England in both codes.
Leicester Tigers star Ashton retired at the end of the 2022/23 season, having made 25 appearances for the club. Prior to joining them midway through the 2021/22 campaign, he played for rugby league side Wigan Warriors before switching codes and representing Northampton Saints, Saracens, Toulon, Sale Sharks, Harlequins and Worcester Warriors.
With 98 tries, he ends his career as the Premiership's all-time leading try-scorer, an accolade he also holds for the Champions Cup, in which he has scored 41 tries.
He made his England debut in rugby union in 2010 and earned 44 caps for his country, scoring 20 tries.
“I have just felt, this season, that my body is not able to do what I want it do anymore," said Ashton, confirming his retirement. “I am still enjoying the game, enjoying being in and around the team and the game every day, but if I am not able to keep the standards that I expect of myself, then it is the right time for me to retire.
“I am content with the decision and, honestly, I definitely wouldn’t have been had I not been able to come to Leicester Tigers, get back into the game and finish my career on my terms. It is the right time for me, I know that, and I am happy in making this decision at this time.”
Greig Laidlaw
The former Scotland captain retired from Test rugby after the 2019 World Cup, but kept playing at club level, moving from Clermont to Japanese side Urayasu D-Rocks the following year.
However, he is now walking away from the sport completely, with the 37-year-old announcing his retirement following the conclusion of the regular club season in Japan.
A memorable career saw him earn 76 caps for his country, with a record 39 of these as captain. The 714 points he scored in a Scotland shirt also puts him second in the country's all-time points scorers list, behind Chris Paterson.
Announcing his decision, Laidlaw said he had been on "an incredible journey" but was now looking to the future and a potential move into coaching.
“It’s been an incredible journey, but I feel it’s the right time for me to step away from playing and move on to the next chapter," he said. “We intend as a family to stay in Japan a while longer but it is here I will finally hang up my playing boots. It is time to take everything I have learnt, from a playing career I could only have dreamt of, and move on into coaching."
Nemani Nadolo
The Fijian has called time on his career having plied his trade in Japan, France, the UK and New Zealand before moving home to Australia.
Nadolo won 30 caps for Fiji between 2010 and 2009 and starred for them at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, scoring a try against England in the first match of the tournament.
He retired from international rugby just months before the 2019 World Cup, but continued playing at club level, representing Montpellier, Leicester Tigers and Super Rugby side Waratahs having also played for the likes of Bourgoin, Exeter Chiefs and NEC Green Rockets in Japan.
Confirming his retirement, Nadolo said his career had been beyond his "wildest dreams", writing: "2023 will be the year I call time on my ‘Rugby Career'. When I signed my first professional contract in 2008, I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would go on to experience this incredible journey.
“I’ve had a lot of highs and a lot of lows during my time. I’ve travelled the world from Japan, France, UK, and New Zealand. Moving home to Australia with my young family and my aging legs I knew it was time to consider whats best for me and my future. It’s the question we all face as professional athletes, what’s next’
“As one chapter in my life comes to an end another begins. I wish to thank the NSW Waratahs for bringing me home, it was always my dream to retire on home soil in front of my friends and family. Thank you to everyone for all the support over the years, you are the reason why we do what we do, God Bless.”
Jack McGrath
The former Ireland prop will also be hanging up his boots having been released by Ulster at the end of last season.
McGrath, who won the Champions Cup with Leinster in 2018, played 56 times for his country, forming part of Joe Schmidt’s Six Nations-winning teams in 2014 and 2015 and playing in Ireland's famous win over the All Blacks in 2016.
His performances earned him a place on the Lions tour in 2017, during which he made three appearances.
Announcing his retirement, the 33-year-old said the decision was "one of the hardest" he had ever had to make. Taking to Instagram, he wrote: “I have made the decision to retire from professional rugby after deep thought and consideration. A decision that has taken a considerable amount of time, it has been one of the hardest that I’ve ever had to make.
"I have spent a long time reflecting on my career over the last number of weeks/months and realise how fortunate I have been to wear the most famous jerseys in the game.The last few years have been extremely testing for myself and my family, both mentally and physically. I feel I have given everything to my rugby career and I have no regrets or anything left to prove."
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