Welsh rugby favourite finds the perfect words as he chokes back tears in emotional farewell speech
Rey Lee-Lo has spent a decade in the Welsh capital, playing 180 times for Cardiff
Rey Lee-Lo gives an emotional farewell speech at Cardiff's awards night
(Image: Cardiff Rugby )
Departing Cardiff centre Rey Lee-Lo found the perfect words as he delivered an emotional farewell speech at the Arms Park club's awards night last Wednesday.
The 39-year-old was given a special recognition award by Cardiff as his departure was confirmed as part of the club's leavers list. Lee-Lo, who joined the club in 2025 from the Hurricanes, has played 180 times for Cardiff - with the Samoa international becoming an integral part of the Blue and Blacks' midfield.
Throughout his decade in the Welsh capital, Lee-Lo formed a strong centre partnership with his close friend, Uilisi Halaholo.
Lee-Lo was honoured with an award at Cardiff Rugby's end of season awards night last week, with former Cardiff teammate Nick Williams presenting him with the award.
As he was given the award at the Tiger Yard in Cardiff Bay, those in attendance - including his Cardiff team-mates and coaches - gave the centre a standing ovation ahead of his emotional speech.
"First of all, like I always do, we thank God for this lovely day and bringing us all here safe today," said Lee-Lo.
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"2015 is a long time ago. This club means a lot to me.
"This is my family away from my family back home. It's a pleasure and an honour to play 180 games for one club.
"That's something that will stay with me forever. I just want to say thanks from the bottom of my heart.
"Thanks to the club and the late Peter Thomas for everything. And all the sponsors, everyone involved, the back-room staff.
"I can't say enough. I just want to say thank you for everything." Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
In his own speech, Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt confirmed that Lee-Lo would be staying at the club in some non-playing capacity.
"To stay at a club, I don't know what he's going to do yet, but we found a way of keeping him around the dressing room and helping the younger players out," said Sherratt.
"Because we can't let go of people like Rey Lee-Lo."
Lee-Lo had originally been set to depart in 2023, only to sign another deal with the club.
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Then, last year, the club flew his family over to Wales to surprise Lee-Lo ahead of what was expected to be his final appearance - only for the evergreen Samoan to play for another year.
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