Cardiff and Wales forward Josh Turnbull has announced his retirement from rugby with immediate effect at the age of 36.
During a professional career spanning 18 years, Turnbull made 334 top level appearances, winning 13 caps for Wales. The man from Newcastle Emlyn began his career with the Scarlets, making 119 appearances before moving to Cardiff in 2014 and playing 200 times for the Arms Park outfit.
He played a key role as Cardiff lifted the 2018 European Challenge Cup and picked up the Peter Thomas Player of the Season award in 2021-22. Turnbull will now move into coaching with a position within the club’s academy set-up.
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"It’s been a difficult decision to call time on my career, which has gone in the blink of an eye, but I am comfortable it is the right one for myself and my family," said Turnbull. “Reaching 200 appearances for Cardiff has been a huge motivator for me, and I was honoured to do that a few weeks ago at the Arms Park with so many friends and family in attendance.
“Rugby has given me so much - I have travelled the world, made incredible friends, and have so many great memories from my time both at Cardiff and the Scarlets. I am enormously grateful to everyone who has played a part in my journey, whether teachers, coaches, backroom staff, supporters, and of course my family.
“With close to 350 games of professional experience under my belt, I am now looking forward to the next chapter in my career, and I am very grateful to Cardiff for giving me an opportunity to continue coaching within the academy set-up. There is so much talent coming through in this region; you only need to look at the lads who have come through this year to see that, and I’m excited to pass on my experience.”
Turnbull has been one of Cardiff's most consistent performers since his move from Llanelli and, excluding a season where he underwent significant back surgery, has averaged 23 appearances up to the current campaign. He finishes his career second in the BKT United Rugby Championship’s all-time appearance charts behind former Connacht flanker John Muldoon.
He is well prepared for a transition into coaching, having enjoyed previous spells assisting Newcastle Emlyn, Scarlets Under-18s, and within the Cardiff Rugby pathway. The 13-cap international is currently defence and lineout coach at Carmarthen Quins and most recently travelled to Parma with Wales Under-18s.
“Josh has been a great servant to Cardiff, making an enormous contribution both on and off the pitch," said Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt. “We were all delighted to see him make his 200th appearance for the club against Leinster and to play 334 competitive games in the professional era is no mean feat.
“He is a player who continually put his body on the line for the team and gave his absolute all whether on the training pitch or in a game. He has been a great professional and role model to our young players in terms of his commitment, diligence, work-rate, and selflessness.
“Josh and his family can be very proud of everything he has achieved in the game, and we now look forward to him taking the next steps in his coaching career within our academy and pathway set-up.”
