Welsh cricket legend Claire Nicholas announces her retirement from all forms of professional cricket aged 38.
The Swansea-born right-arm off-spinner leaves behind a great legacy in the women's game in Wales and beyond, with a career spanning over two decades. Nicholas, formerly Claire Thomas, made her debut for Wales aged 16, before representing Western Storm and Welsh Fire as the women's game moved into the professional era.
Speaking days before the start of a new era in women's cricket, Nicholas expressed her desire to play under the Daffodil, but withdrew her interests to spend more time with her family after playing the game for over 20 years.
Having played the 2004 County Challenge Cup and 2005 Women's European Championship, Nicholas was part of the Wales team that gained three consecutive promotions in the County Championship, taking 10 wickets at an average of 17.70.
Nicholas played for the professional regional franchise Western Storm in the Kia Super League at a time when not many Welsh players were looked at for that level, starting a new era of women's cricket in Wales, which saw players like Alex Griffiths and Sophia Smale get professional contracts.
Nicholas had a successful stint in the Women's Hundred, being the highest wicket-taker for Welsh Fire in 2022. Being a mother of two and also working full-time as a teacher, Nicholas's love for the game saw her play more than 150 games throughout her career, being an absolute role-model for the next generation of women's cricketers in Wales.
We wish Claire Nicholas a happy retirement from everyone at Glamorgan County Cricket Club.