Jenkins, who joined from the Cardiff system, played a key role in 2012 as Wales became the first side to beat New Zealand at under-20 level, and a year later helped them to runners-up place.
His best moment with Cardiff came in Bilbao, where he led Cardiff to their second European Challenge Cup win.
Jenkins captained Wales' senior team on their 2018 summer tour against South Africa and Argentina.
His career was derailed after he helped Wales win against the Springboks with a man-of-the-match performance at the Principality Stadium, before suffering a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury in the final moments. .
Jenkins was sidelined for 26 months but showed remarkable resilience in his return, making 43 appearances for the club and winning a further four Test caps.
This included his return to Wales in 2021 against South Africa and his captaincy again, this time against Fiji.
His last appearance for Wales was in the 2022 Six Nations defeat to Ireland in Dublin.
“It's been tough physically and mentally, but I'm very proud of everything I've accomplished in my career,” Jenkins said.
“Especially coming back from a major injury and playing for Cardiff and Wales again.”
Jenkins is happy with his decision.
“The European competition in Bilbao, Derby and the Arms Park, winning my first cap and captaining Wales were great, but also the experiences, travel and friendships that rugby has given me,” Jenkins said. said.
“I feel very lucky and grateful to everyone who has supported me on my journey.
“I’m looking forward to enjoying rugby with a beer on the terrace, doing all the things I didn’t get to do as a player and living a healthy and active life with my young family.”
