Wales international quits rugby aged 27 for stunning career change

This season will be my last," Amos confirmed

"After a decade of professional rugby, I've experienced a lot in rugby and been fortunate to go to two World Cups, a Commonwealth Games, several Six Nations and I've had a lot of great times in the regional game," added Amos.

"I'm grateful for the incredible experiences I've had but the time has almost come to face a new challenge.

"I am happy with what I have achieved and telling Dai [Young, Cardiff director of rugby] and Cardiff, and Wayne [Pivac] and Wales early so they can plan for the future sat a lot easier with me.

"It's always been my intention to finish when I complete my degree and this season aligns nicely with the final year of my medical studies, so a perfect time to transition from pitch to hospital.

"Throughout my years combining university with a rugby career I've had plenty of support - from the WRU, Dragons for the first few years of my career, from Cardiff Rugby more recently, and from Cardiff University itself - and I'll always be thankful for their willingness to accommodate both aspects of my life.

"Particular thanks go to Dai and Wayne, who have been understanding over the last couple of weeks as I've talked to them about the thought process behind my decision.

"Retiring at 27 will definitely be strange, but I'm committed to Cardiff for the rest of the season and hopefully I can finish on a high over the next few months."

Following his retirement in 2010 due to injury, Vickery established his own fashion line named after his moniker. Featuring rugby-inspired tops and T-shirts, shirts, footwear and knitwear, the Raging Bull brand is stocked in 30 House of Fraser stores and 90 independent retailers in the UK.

Vickery, who won Celebrity MasterChef in 2011, has launched his new enterprise No.3  as a collection service after plans to open a restaurant were delayed.

Unexpectedly, Bayfield appeared in all of the Harry Potter films playing the half-giant Hagrid, as Robbie Coltrane’s body and stunt double. He also appeared in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, as a young Rubeus Hagrid. Continuing the acting theme, he also played a cyclops in Jonathan Liebesman’s Wrath of the Titans, the sequel to 2010 movie Clash of the Titans.

The legendary All Blacks No 7 has revealed his plans for life after rugby having announced his retirement from the sport. When asked how he would fill his days now without the sport, he said: “I am heavily involved in the Christchurch Helicopters company, they are great people and I’m excited about the opportunities there. Aviation is something I’m passionate about, I’m going to carry on flying and work towards getting my commercial pilot licence.”

When former Sale and Cardiff star Nick Macleod damaged his big toe during a match a few years ago he never thought it would mean the end of his professional sporting career. What came as an even biggest surprise, however, was the fact he'd then go on to become one of Cardiff's most popular bakers.

The popular Welshman had an interest in farming since he was a young kid and it has always played a huge part in his life away from the rugby field. As he begins to wind down his refereeing career, Owens has bought his own farm with his partner Barrie and so far they’ve built up 26 pedigree Hereford cattle.