Legendary prop Lloyd Fairbrother has today announced his retirement from professional rugby with immediate effect.
The iconic front row – a cult figure with an army of fans at Rodney Parade – made a total of 172 appearances for Dragons RFC, scoring five tries, over a decade of loyal service.
Born in Cornwall but now a true Man of Gwent, Fairbrother is joint fifth in the club’s all-time appearance charts, alongside Jack Dixon, and remains the most capped prop in club history.
The 32-year-old made his final appearance in the New Year’s Day clash with Scarlets and has now made the decision to hang up his boots through injury.
In his retirement announcement Lloyd Fairbrother said: “Regrettably, I’ve had to make the decision to step away from professional rugby and focus on my health, wellbeing, and family.
“This has been one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make. But I’m stepping away as I don’t feel I can get back to being 100% Lloyd, due to back issues and knowing that carrying on will be detrimental to my long-term health.
“From the bottom of my heart, I’d truly like to thank everyone that’s been a part of my journey. To all the clubs that I’ve represented, past and present players and staff. To all my friends, supporters, and critics.
“To the Dragons supporters, I deeply appreciate the support and following I’ve had over my career. It’s meant everything to me and representing the people of Gwent has always been one of my main purposes. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without you all in my corner.”
Fairbrother – or the Cornish/Welsh Barrel as he was affectionately known by fans - has been a cornerstone of the pack at Dragons since joining in the summer of 2014.
A hugely popular figure across Welsh rugby, Fairbrother hit the hundred game milestone for the club in the 2018/19 season away at Franklin’s Gardens against Northampton Saints. His 150th appearance came in the victory over the Ospreys at Rodney Parade during the 2022/2023 season.
Qualifying for Wales courtesy of his mother who was born in Blaenavon, Fairbrother proudly represented his country in a fixture with the Barbarians at Principality Stadium in November 2023.
Fairbrother had previous playing spells with Exeter Chiefs, Moseley, Cornish Pirates and Plymouth Albion before making the move to Newport.
Dai Flanagan, Head Coach at Dragons RFC, said: “We are all disappointed that Lloyd is leaving us, but fully support and understand the difficult decision he has taken ahead of the new season.
“Lloyd has been a wonderful servant for the Dragons, and it is hard to put into words the impact that he has had. The Cornishman who became a true Man of Gwent, a player who truly embraced representing the Dragons.
“The way he played the game was reflected in the admiration that every fan held him in. He gave it everything and fans loved him for that.
“It says so much that his sole appearance for Wales was met with delight not only by fans at Dragons, but by all Welsh rugby followers. No man deserved that moment more and he can look back on his career with huge pride.”
Dai Wright, Chairman at Dragons RFC, added: “On behalf of everyone at Dragons, I’d like to thank Lloyd for his huge contribution to our club.
“Lloyd is true Man of Gwent and epitomises what it means to be a Dragon. He gave everything to the jersey and deservedly stands alone as our most capped prop.
“Lloyd has been a huge fans’ favourite during his memorable time with us, a wonderful player and person who will be greatly missed by everyone connected to the club.
“We now wish Lloyd, Sofia, and their young family the best for the next chapter together. They will always be welcome at Rodney Parade.”
Diolch Lloydy
To the Dragons supporters, I deeply appreciate the support and following I’ve had over my career. It’s meant everything to me and representing the people of Gwent has always been one of my main purposes. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without you all in my corner...
