Richard Hibbard: Wales and British and Irish Lions hooker retires

“Something that’s truly special in rugby is the bond you make with the ‘brothers’ who you go to war with every week, and not just the team on the Saturday, the whole squad, every session leading to the weekend,” added Hibbard.

“During every win, loss, winning streak, losing streak, trophies, injuries, the boys, they kick you when you’re down, and kick you even harder when you’re up.

“That’s what you do it all for, that slightly weird friendship. I wouldn’t change it for the world.

“I thank the supporters – Ospreys, Gloucester, Dragons, Wales, Lions, Barbarians – you’ve all been immense, and it’s been a pleasure and an honour to get battered in your name.”

Hibbard had special praise for his wife Louise who he described as the “most important person” and his three children, Tiella, Summer and Jaxson.

“Everything great built is always from a strong foundation, and she’s been mine,” he added.

“Through injuries, selections, travel, the day after games, grumpiness, Lou’s been the reason I’ve been lucky enough to do what I’ve done in rugby.”

Hibbard later told BBC Radio Wales Sport he will not seek to be involved in coaching immediately despite having helped with player development at Dragons.

Instead he intends to take a “step back” from the sport, saying: “I’ll end up getting stuck in with the boys if I [try] coaching straight away.”

He also admitted the decision to quit “has been harder than I actually thought [it would be]”

Hibbard added: “Half of me was sort of relieved with the way the body feels; half of me still gets it because I still absolutely adore playing rugby.

“But I genuinely don’t know what’s worse, getting battered on the pitch or battered emotionally with all the nice messages I’ve been receiving.”