Ospreys hooker Scott Otten has announced his retirement from professional rugby with immediate effect.
The Swansea-born forward has been advised to retire on medical advice.
Otten, 26, who has been with the Ospreys for a decade, suffered a career-ending neck injury against the Dragons in January.
A product of the Ospreys development pathway, Otten featured regularly for Swansea RFC in the Premiership, playing 36 times for the All Whites.
Otten is a Wales U20s international and before playing for the Ospreys, he played for Aberavon, Neath, Swansea and Waunarlwydd RFC.
It was in March 2014 that he made his Ospreys debut at the age of 19 as a replacement in a 34-9 win over Cardiff Blues at the Liberty Stadium. His 50th appearance came in September 2017, away to the Cheetahs. The hooker made his 100th appearance for the regional rugby franchise against Cardiff Blues at the Liberty Stadium back in December 2019.
Known for his signature chip and chase, Otten became a crowd favourite with Osprey supporters. During his time in an Ospreys jersey, he has crossed the whitewash 10 times and finishes on 110 appearances.
Last season, he was named in the Conference A GuinnessPRO14 Team of the season and was the only Welsh player named in a star-studded XV after an impressive personal campaign.
Scott Otten, Ospreys and Wales U20s Hooker, said:
“As a young kid it was always my dream to represent the Ospreys. I used to have a season ticket with my old man when I was playing for Waunarlwydd and through college, so it’s meant a lot to me.
“It’s been a dream come true and it’s just gut-wrenching and cruel to have it cut short. To say I’ve represented the jersey not just once but 110 times is something I will always be proud of and be able to show my kids one day. It’s not only made me a better player but a better person too.
“I’ve always had unbelievable support here both as a player and a person which was always important for me. The supporters make a rugby team and I just want to say a big thank you to them for everything over the years.”
“For me, retirement from rugby has come way too early. There’s a lot of hard work to come. My coffee business SO Coffee is growing nicely at the moment and our coffee shop Humble down in Llanelli is re-opening soon so we’re excited about them.
“I’ve just finished my level two coaching course and looking ahead to my level three then seeing what opportunities are out there for me to become a coach. There’s a lot to think about as a family and seeing what’s best for us.”
Toby Booth, Ospreys Head Coach, said:
“It’s hugely sad when a player’s career is curtailed by injury, but if there is a silver lining, it is that Scott has planned an alternative career, which will no doubt see him flourish.
“He is currently still with us and he is still contributing to our environment which is great and reflects what the Ospreys mean to him.”
#DiolchOtts
