Wales Rugby League announces the retirement of Lee Briers after Gillette Four Nations
Wales Rugby League confirmed on Friday, November 11, that Wales’ skipper, Lee Briers will retire from International Rugby after Wales’ last encounter of Gillette Four Nations, which will be played against Australia on Sunday at Glyndŵr University Racecourse Stadium in Wrexham.
Briers will exhibit his on-field brilliance for the last time during Sunday’s showdown against the Roos, and will win his 23rd cap for Wales. It is expected that the Welsh captain will at least boot a goal, which will end him up at 100 points for Wales.
Briers’ decision to hang up his boots at the end of Gillette Four Nations, was confirmed after long discussions between the management and coaching staff at Wales. They were as yet not ready to let go talent of that calibre.The 33-year-old is well known in the world of rugby as a formidable on-field force and has been part of Welsh side since 1998.
Although his exit from rugby was shocking, the player could not have opted for a more fitting way to go by playing against the series’ favourites, Australia.
However, the news of Briers’ departure has been eased by the coaching offer from Wales. The General Manager of Wales Rugby League, Mark Rowley, said, "Whilst we are very sorry to lose such a world class player on the field I am delighted to confirm that Lee will, from immediate effect, be joining the National team coaching staff. His experience and knowledge of the game will be invaluable as we look to develop the next generation of Rugby League players in preparation for the World Cup in 2013 which we will be co-hosting."
The GM further went on and branded Brier as a “true sports icon” whose contribution to Wales Rugby League cannot be sidelined. He has not only been lauded for his brilliant on-field presence but he called him a fitting role model for those who aspired to reach the top of their profession.
The player is also delighted at the coaching offer extended to him by his long-term franchise and is appreciative of the efforts of Wales head coach, Iestyn Harris, alongside Rowley’s behind the scenes assistance.
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