5 Players Who May Retire from International Rugby in 2016

Rugby was saddened to see a long line of international veterans leave the sport in 2015, and 2016 presents another host of potential retirees nearing the end of their playing days.

The passing of the 2015 Rugby World Cup will be a significant factor in which players call time on their Test careers, with the 2019 edition likely seen as too far away in the eyes of many seasoned stars.

Taking into account the age, club contract commitments and future prospects of certain players, we've complied a list of figures who could choose to end their international careers in 2016.

1. Bryan Habana, South Africa

There was a collective sigh for South Africa speedster Bryan Habana when he missed out on an elusive 16th World Cup try against Argentina in October, meaning he still shares the tournament's all-time record alongside Jonah Lomu (15 tries each).

After that third-place play-off win over the Pumas, Habana confirmed he won't be at the 2019 Rugby World Cup, and while he insisted to Sky Sports there's a lot of rugby left to play, he wouldn't reveal just how much:

"

I definitely won't be at 2019.

I will take some time off now and decide where I am as a player. I'm really proud of the last 12 years, it's been an unbelievable journey. 

I'm not too sure it's the end of my Test career yet. There is a lot to happen in South African rugby.

"

Fans can only hope Habana continues to delight as one of the world's most celebrated wingers, but as he turns 33 next June, one has to wonder if 2015 will be his Test exit.

All those fast-twitch muscle fibres assuredly won't last deep into Habana's 30s, and it's possible the Toulon star could look to extend his club career by following recent retirees Victor Matfield and Schalk Burger out of the Springboks' door.

2. Gethin Jenkins, Wales

Gethin Jenkins is the most capped Test player still active in the game today after Richie McCaw, Keven Mealamu and the aforementioned Matfield all decided to retire from international rugby in 2015.

Depending on how Wales' most capped player ever feels, it's plausible the Cardiff Blues man could boost his current cap count of 124 past McCaw's all-time record of 148 in a few years' time, but it seems too great an ask.

Club and international team-mate Matthew Rees has called Jenkins one of the "greatest of all time," per Andy Howell of Wales Online, one player whom Wales coach Warren Gatland will look to keep around as long as he remains of value:

"

Gethin is, for me, the best loose-head in world rugby and one of the most professional players you can come across in terms of his recovery and how he reads the game so well. 

You have got to give him credit for what he’s achieved and is still achieving. 

Gethin will never change. I have known him since he was 13 or 14-years-old, and played with and against him.

He’s one of the best loose-heads I have ever played against—Gethin is a very fit and an intelligent player. Gethin has got a huge motivation and as much as he is very grumpy at times, the way Gethin works, he gets what he wants, to keep on playing at whatever level that may be. 

He is starting to pick up a few niggles—he has a rest day here and there—but, if he’s still producing the goods, you have got to still pick him.

"

It's natural for pack members to last slightly longer than their team-mates in the backs, but after turning 35 in November, even the multi-talented prop is closing in on abnormal longevity.

Having recently celebrated the 13-year anniversary of his international debut in 2002, Jenkins will surely be eyeing his watch with the lurking question of how much longer he can last.

3. Matt Giteau, Australia

GABRIEL BOUYS/Getty Images

Australia fans may have already enjoyed close to the full extent of their short-but-sweet reunion with Matt Giteau, who was previously cast out by the Wallabies under their old overseas-selection policy.

A change in that policy allowed the 33-year-old to make his return to Michael Cheika's squad in time for the World Cup, but with his Toulon contract coming to an end in 2016, change is on the horizon for Giteau.

The versatile fly-half is a risky choice in this regard. Having only just returned to the national team's fold, Giteau is most likely hungry for more Wallabies action, but his time is extremely limited.

It's uncertain where he'll head at the end of his current deal, and 2016 could either see the playmaker extend his stay in France, make the move back to Super Rugby or retire altogether.

Giteau's situation is a difficult one given his four-year absence from the national team, but the Test centurion could give way after the Rugby Championship, rather than linger around for too long.

4. Martin Castrogiovanni, Italy

Stu Forster/Getty Images

Following on from Jenkins, another former Toulon prop potentially on the verge of retirement is Italy behemoth Martin Castrogiovanni, who sits slightly below the Welshman in the all-time cap leader list with 115 of his own.

He has reached the ripe old age of 34, and Racing 92 may be keen on the idea of seeing their front-rower end his commitments with the Azzurri to focus solely on club matters.

Along with Sergio Parisse, it's difficult to imagine Italy without their bearded beast crouching on the front lines, but he could be starting to feel the creaks of his body all the more.

5. Vincent Clerc, France

NICOLAS TUCAT/Getty Images

It's been almost three years since Toulouse stalwart Vincent Clerc last lined up for France, but there's almost the feeling that despite his age, he could still make a triumphant return to the national team if called upon.

Earning his debut back in 2002, Clerc was a mainstay for Les Bleus and scored 34 tries in 67 starts for his country, equal to a very respectable ratio of more than one try every other game.

Now, almost 18 years after debuting as a professional player for Grenoble, the winger is a fringe option for France, and future coaches may wish to invest in emerging talent rather than hand a 35-year-old his return.

In his prime, Clerc was hailed as one of the most dynamic and entertaining figures on the Test circuit, but one wonders if 2016 sees the speedster leave both the Stade Ernest-Wallon and the national team.