No regrets for Howley

Rob Howley, Britain's most capped scrum half, is to retire from international rugby after Wales' home match against Scotland on Saturday.

Rather than prolong his career to next year's World Cup, the 31-year-old Lion will quit at the weekend. And he is likely to be followed by half-back partner Neil Jenkins, who has not played all season because of knee trouble. Howley's decision will surprise his many admirers, including his mentor Gareth Edwards, whose Welsh record of 53 caps at scrum half he eclipsed last year. Howley, for whom Saturday's 59th appearance makes him the fourth most capped Welshman behind Jenkins, Ieuan Evans and Gareth Llewellyn, said: 'There is never a good time to make a decision like this but I feel the time is right.

'My wife Ceri is expecting our second child and family commitments will obviously increase. Having already decided not to tour with Wales in South Africa this summer, I felt it was right to step down altogether. 'Saturday will be a very special day. I've spoken with the team management and told the players. They are difficult words to say but I won't regret this. 'I've had a great time playing for Wales and each cap has been my proudest moment in sport. Nobody can take that away from me.' Howley, below par against England last month behind a badly beaten pack, follows Scott Gibbs into international retirement.Yet like Gibbs, the Cardiff No.9 will still play for his club. 'It's no secret that my knee still causes me problems and combining club rugby with international commitments makes it tougher all the time,' added Howley, who will make a formal announcement today. 'I want to spend my twilight years playing for Cardiff and I look forward to giving the club everything.' Howley has had his share of anguish over the years, never more so than with the Lions in South Africa five years ago when he dislocated a shoulder a week before he was set to start the Test series, an ambition he duly realised in Australia last summer.

He was also relieved of the Wales captaincy despite an unprecedented run of 10 straight victories.

For his finale, Howley will play under a new skipper. Colin Charvis takes over from the injured Scott Quinnell in a side showing four changes from the one

beaten by England. Stephen Jones will reclaim his place at fly half from Iestyn Harris, if fit.

WALES: K Morgan (Swansea), R Williams (Cardiff), M Taylor (Swansea), A Marinos (Newport), C Morgan (Cardiff), S Jones (Llanelli) or I Harris (Cardiff), R Howley (Cardiff), I Thomas (Ebbw Vale), B Williams (Neath), C Anthony, I Gough (both Newport), A Moore (Swansea), N Budgett (Bridgend), C Charvis (Swansea, capt), M Williams (Cardiff). Subs: R McBryde (Llanelli), S John (Cardiff), C Wyatt (Llanelli), G Thomas (Bath), D Peel (Llanelli), Harris or Jones, D James (Bridgend).