Your tributes to David Young

Wales captain David Young announces his retirement from international rugby following the defeat to Argentina.

Send your tributes to David Young.

David Young won 51 caps for Wales in his 14-year international career, including 12 as captain, and went on three Lions tours.

On his retirement, Young said: "The intense criticism (and) high expectation that goes with playing for Wales weighs heavily not just on me, but also my family. Now is the time for them to be put first."

Wales coach Graham Henry paid tribute to Young: "He is, by nature, a leader and a captain. I have nothing other than tremendous respect for him."

Send your tributes to a Wales and Lions great.

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Dai has been a huge presence and has had a major influence in international rugby for many years. He also continues to be an inspiration to the rest of us in the rugby community. It was especially nice to see Dai and April, his wife, down at his old club in Aberdare on the evening of the Tonga game. Congratulations on achieving a notable 'corner stone' status in international rugby. All the best for the future.
Nat Sherwood, Wales

Dai deserves to have his name placed with JPR, Gareth and Merv at the very top of Welsh Rugby. To win over 50 caps and still find time to spend seven seasons in League is a truly outstanding achievement. Good luck to the future, and i hope Wales don't find a replacement too soon!
Mark Anderson, England

Many years ago I was treasurer of Cross Keys R.F.C. David then worked for Gregors and we were quite friendly, I had persuaded him to try out for Keys but the member of the committee responsible did not want him. I bet that he now rues that decision. David, you well deserve a good retirement.
David Williams, Wales / Germany

I'm very sad to hear of Dai Young's retirement. He has been a great servant to Welsh rugby. He mentions the criticism that himself and the rest of the players have received. My thoughts on that are that the players are now professional. They wanted to become professional. Part of being a professional is having to take criticism for unprofessional performances. They are given lots of money to take it on the chin. If they played like professionals they would get praise. However, at the moment the Welsh team are playing the most unprofessional rugby I have ever seen. Making simple schoolboy errors. Life is tough Dai. If I make schoolboy errors in my job I get criticised!!
Legin, Wales

Happy retirement Dai, thanks for the memories

Steve Evans, UK

David Young has been an exemplary rugby player. He has shown total commitment in his union and league careers, and the length of his career is testimony to that. He is a worthy ambassador for Welsh, British and World rugby. All the very best for the future, Dave!
Mark, Wales

I remember my English teacher, Byron Williams, telling our class about the young No. 8 he was coaching, who ran through anyone who got in his way! I wonder if he ever realised how good Dai would become, or how long a No. 8's legs had to be! Dai was a great lad at school, a true hero on the pitch, and a legend back home in Aberdare. Happy retirement Dai, thanks for the memories.
Steve Evans, UK

A massive thank you Dai for all that you have done. I am just really sad of the way your career came to an end, I know you will not be remembered for this unfortunate period of Welsh rugby, but for the fab times you had with the Lions and the Land of my fathers (and me). Pob Lwc Dai, might treat you to a pint when I'm with the in-laws in Aberaman. Not bad from a Turk(?) Cheers Dai.
Dylan Williams, Ingerlund (dros dro!)

I had the pleasure of playing against Dai about 10 years ago. That was a long afternoon! What a player and a gent. We spent a fantastic evening reliving past games and events. I am only sorry he will not be remembered as a winning captain but even so, he is a role model to us all.
Tony Rees, South America

He has always been the quiet but professional face of the Welsh team

Mike Evans, Wales

It breaks my heart to see another legend retire from our ranks. But, we have to respect your wishes to spend time with your family. You have shown our nation true grit and determination over the last 14 years and I only hope that you can pass on your talents to the next generation.
Paul K, Wales

Enjoy your retirement David. You have certainly earned it!
Gavin Burnett, Wales

Very sorry to see Dai retire. He has always been the quiet but professional face of the Welsh team. I only hope he will continue to give Cardiff the benefit of his leadership in what I feel will be a turbulent couple of years for Welsh club rugby.
Mike Evans, Wales

Dai Young deserves nothing but credit for his service to Wales (and the Lions) over the years. I'm sorry to see him go on a losing note.
Andy Williams, UK

Dai Young has been one of the most committed players in the Welsh side for some time, his family must be proud of him. He derserves a rest after what he has given to the game and his country. You sure have my respect Dai, well done mate!
Andy Jones, England

Dai should stay. It's Henry that should go

Nick, UK

Throughout his career he has always sought to improve himself and his skills. One of the few genuine "professionals" in the code. Best of luck in the future and thanks for your time on the paddock in both codes and for never shirking a difficult opponent.
Ted Heath, England

Thanks for all the years, Dai. Would be great to see your vast knowledge put to use in a coaching capacity.
Andy Whitehead, UK

Thanks for years of entertainment - I've always thoroughly enjoyed watching the enthusiasm and passion with which both you and the entire Welsh national side have conducted yourselves. Enjoy your retirement.
Alan Stevens, UK

Dai should stay. It's Henry that should go. Best of luck with your future.
Nick, UK

He also led from the front when he played RL for Salford. An outstanding professional.
Paul, UK

Diolch Dai and all the best for the future - you will be missed.
Huw Thomas, Cymru

Good luck Dai, and thanks

James McCarthy, Wales

Good luck and best wishes to you and your family. You will be missed as a leader and an outstanding player.
Carol bowman, USA

Well done Dai on a super Career. Not many players last 14 years in international rugby. You've been a true ambassador for Wales - Thank You. Good Luck for your International retirement and good luck for the rest of the season with Cardiff!
Mark Greenslade, Ogmore Vale, Bridgend, South Wales

You cannot take away any of Dai Young's achievements over the years. From his last minute call up to the Wales Squad in 1987, when he went to Australia with Richard Webster to take part in the inaugural Rugby World Cup. He become the only player to have appeared for the Lions in three separate decades. A superb scrummager, he made the position his own through one of the darkest times of Welsh Rugby.

Now it is time to hang up his boots - at a time when Wales needs a new Dai Young to stand up and be counted. He has been a tremendous servant to the team, the fans (in both codes) and the coaching staff. But I believe he is right to call it a day. Good luck Dai, and thanks.
James McCarthy, Wales