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Justin Tipuric - Cap 1087

Everyone at Trebanos RFC wishes Justin all the best after he has announced his retirement from International Rugby.

Justin began his rugby career at the age of eight with Trebanos RFC U9's, the side being coached by Justin Jones.

Their one success was in the Sleeping Giant Tournament whilst the Team were U11.

Even at a young age Justin's commitment to Trebanos could never be in doubt as his team folded at the age of U15 due to lack of numbers. Some members of the team played for other local Clubs, however, Justin went to play football as after playing two games for Abercave he decided he couldn't play for anybody other than Trebanos RFC.

Justin then moved to the Ospreys Under 18's set up - scoring a superb individual try in only his second outing with the senior squad - the rest as they say is history. 

Justin's first cap for Wales was against Argentina in 2011. He went on to win 93 Welsh Caps, 5 of those as Captain of his country. He has helped Wales win the Six Nations Championship in 2012, 2013, 2019 and 2021, two of those Championships being Grand Slams. Justin was part of the Wales squads that reached the World Cup quarter final in 2015 and the Semi-Final in 2019.

Justin has also been selected for three British Lions tours, an absolutely amazing achievement, winning a British Lion cap in the successful British Lions Tour against Australia in 2013. 

We all have our own highlight reel of Justin’s moments in a red shirt - there have been many!

In between those remarkable achievements his commitment to Trebanos RFC has never waivered. He has been the Coach to the Senior XV, the Youth and had input into virtually every mini & junior team at the club. It has always been about the youngsters and future of the club - and always there if needed for anything else that has been required of him.

Justin's ability and rugby IQ is second to none, and he will go down as one of Welsh Rugby's greatest players. Justin could do things on a rugby field that no other player in the World could do. One of the several quotes from former international players confirmed this, with James Hook saying that Justin was the only forward that he knew that could have also won a Cap in the back division.

Wales' loss will be the Ospreys gain as I have no doubt that Justin will continue to be one of the best 7's  in the world playing for the Ospreys for years to come and who knows he may even play for Trebanos 1st XV before he retires completely, fingers crossed for that!

Not only has Justin been a trailblazer on the rugby field for the past fifteen years he is an absolute gentleman and a credit to his family, Trebanos and to Wales.

Everybody at Trebanos RFC wishes Justin and his family all the best for the future!

Diolch yn fawr iawn, Justin!