Martyn Williams rules out return to rugby after retirement

Cardiff Blues flanker Martyn Williams has said he will not return to rugby after retiring at the end of the current season.

Williams, 36, retired from international rugby following the 2007 World Cup, only to be persuaded to return by Wales coach Warren Gatland.

But the former Wales captain says he will not return to domestic action after the Blues clash with Edinburgh.

"I certainly won't be doing it at my age again," said Williams.

"I've had a great run. [I] can't complain at all.

"Things perhaps haven't finished the way I would have wanted over the last few weeks but hopefully we can put that right and get a win."

Williams will make his 143rd and final appearance when the Blues host Edinburgh at the Cardiff City Stadium on Sunday.

The curtain will come down on Williams' career with a special shirt presentation at the end of the match, even though he could take up a coaching role with the Blues.

"It's going to be quite strange waking up Monday morning and it's actually over," admitted Williams, who won 99 international caps for Wales.

"Some people might say about time but I'm just hoping we can get a win and go out in a nice manner.

"I've been speaking to people at the club and we're discussing a few things. But I'm still a player at the moment and once that's out of the way I'll sit down and see what happens."

A total of 12 players are leaving the Blues this summer but Williams believes the region has a bright future, despite the departure of star names like Paul Tito, Maama Molitika and Ben Blair.

"There are a lot of boys leaving, which obviously has been well documented, but there's still a lot of great players here to kick on for the future," added Williams.

"There's a lot of doom and gloom around the place at the moment but I can assure you that when you've got the likes of Sam Warburton, Leigh Halfpenny, Jamie Roberts and Bradley Davies here next year they'll be fine.

"A lot of European teams would bite their arms off to get those players."

Williams began his career at Pontypridd, helping them win the 1996-1997 Welsh league title before moving to Cardiff in 1999.

And the Pontypridd-born flanker admits he would love to run out at Sardis Road one last time.

"I would love to play a couple more games for Ponty but I don't think the body would hold up that much longer" he said.

"I've had a good run and I won't push my luck any further.

"The boys are making me burn my boots on Sunday so I won't be putting them on again."