Adam Warren has thanked fans at Rodney Parade for the support they have always given him – and revealed how he hopes to return with his two boys to cheer the Men of Gwent from the terraces.
Warren left Dragons at the end of the 2021/22 season after 132 appearances for the region over seven seasons.
The popular 31-year-old centre has spoken to the official website of the Dragons to look back on his time at the region and an emotional final day on home soil.
And Warren has told of how he leaves with countless happy memories and lifelong friends made from his time as a Dragon.
“I can’t express how much love I have felt - from players and fans,” said Warren. “I’m probably not the flashiest player ever, so to get the reception I have always got off the fans is nice.
“The players know I do a lot of the nitty gritty stuff at times, and they have expressed how much they appreciate me, so that has been very kind too.
“I look back on my time at Dragons with pride,” he added. “I came here after four seasons at the Scarlets that I enjoyed, but it was the right time to come here all those years ago and try and be a regular.
“I wanted to push on for Wales too and unfortunately that never happened, but I’ve obviously played a massive amount for Dragons.
“Playing over 130 games in seven seasons has been great and I always felt that appreciation off the fans. I’ve loved it.”
Warren admits it is the friendships he has from his time in Gwent that he perhaps cherishes the most.
“Rugby is not everything in this life, but the one thing you always get is to meet a lot of good people. I’ve made so many friends,” he said.
“In my time there have been a lot of people who have come and gone, that’s the same with every team and that is professional sport, but there is a large chunk of boys who I will keep I touch with for life.
“I’ve made lifelong friends and that’s what is special. Some of the boys I’d never have met if I didn’t come here, and I will stay in touch with them and support them in the future.”
Warren’s last game was against Emirates Lions at Rodney Parade and a memorable day was made all that more special by being joined by his sons - Alfie and Will – as he ran out for one last game.
“There was a lot of emotion after seven years and it was a special moment to run on the pitch with the kids. I absolutely loved it,” he said.
“I’m not sure they were huge fans of the fireworks, but I got a few photos with them that I will cherish forever.
“I went into the game knowing it was my last one here and just determined to enjoy myself.
“I’ve got my two young boys and I’d like to bring them back here to watch as they get into the sport. I’d be great to see them play here one day – you just never know!
“I’ve absolutely loved it as a Dragon,” he said. “There is always an end to everything you do in life, but I look back with fond memories.
“To the fans, I simply say thank you. As a player here it can be challenging, it’s a tough league with the Irish teams always being a dominant force and the South Africans boys now adding so much.
“It has been tough at times, but the fans have always shown up, always stood with us regardless of results that have come before.
“From my point of view, I thank them for how they supported me. I know a player like me maybe doesn’t always catch the eye with all your big moments.
“But I always felt appreciated and they got behind me every single game. I can’t thank them enough for that.”
I can’t express how much love I have felt - from players and fans... I’m probably not the flashiest player ever, so to get the reception I have always got off the fans is nice...
