The news comes as a massive blow for Welsh fans, who will lose not only one of the all time great Welsh players, but debatably the best open side flanker in World Rugby in the modern age.

Martyn was voted player of the tournament by BBC viewers during the 2005 Six Nations in which Wales won a Grand Slam. During that competition, his two tries in the opening 5 minutes of the second half in France turned the score line on its head, and played a massive part in the Welsh winning the match.

That same year, he was selected for the Lion's squad that toured New Zealand. And though he only managed 1 cap in the actual test match, head coach Clive Woodward was widely criticised for his decision to leave Williams out.

His fabulous knowledge of rugby and ability to read the game were two of the attributed that made him Welsh captain for a short period. However, he ruled himself out the running for the captaincy for the 2003 RWC.

In the current World Cup, he started all 4 matches, scoring 3 tries.

He ends his 11-year reign in the red 7 shirt with 76 caps and 68 points, including 1 drop goal in the 2003 World Cup.

Martyn said today;

"I just think it's the right time to step aside, I've had 11 years and I have achieved way more than I thought I would. It's been an honour and a privilege to play for Wales. It's meant a hell of a lot to me, but everything has to come to an end and that is me done now. It's not the way I would have wanted it to end. I couldn't think of a worse way for it to finish to be honest, but that is how the cards fall some times."

His international career was praised by chief executive Roger Lewis;

I'm sure everyone would want to thank Martyn for being a total servant of the game. No-one could ask more of a player such as him."

The search is now on for a new open side, with Martyn's Cardiff Blues team mate Robin Sowden-Taylor one name being tipped by man to star in the 2011 campaign.

However, I know I know I speak for all Welsh fans from the last 11 years when I say "Thank you Martyn, you'll be dearly missed."

View a Printer Friendly version of this Story.

Bookmark or share this story with:

• Digg
• Delicious
• Facebook
• Reddit
• Stumbleupon

Related Articles:

• Wales Out of RWC 07!