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.
I’ve got a young family with my partner, with two children, and it’s become evident that playing rugby is relaying into my everyday life at home. I need to finish so I can carry out life with my family at home – which ultimately must be my priority. As well as my health and wellbeing, I’ve said to Dai Flanagan from the onset, if I can’t be 100% Lloyd, for my team and myself, then I’d rather not go another season. I’ve always been all in. That’s what my Dragons career has been about. If I can’t live up to that, then I’d rather step away.
After finding good form and playing for Wales, it’s been unbelievably tough to come to this decision. I’ve prided myself on playing through the pain and doing everything I can to pull on that jersey and play for my club. But I don’t think it’s fair on the boys, or myself, to go into the season with any doubt or uncertainty in what I can give.
The time has come to start thinking about life away from the game for my family. I’ve played professional rugby since I was 18. There’s been many sacrifices over the last 14 years that loved ones have made to enable me to fulfil my dream and be totally committed to every club I have represented.
I’m very proud of my career. I’ve proved a lot to myself and people around me. I’ve been playing since I was seven and coming from Torpoint, such a small town, it was tough to get an opportunity. Starting out at Liskeard Looe Rugby Club, I found my love for the game and decided to chase my dream and make it a reality. I had to go through a gruelling two years at Truro College to be signed by Exeter Chiefs. That was a massive step in my career. During this time, I played at Cornish Pirates and Plymouth Albion - teams I grew up watching. To play for them was a huge honour. These three clubs instilled the key values of what it takes to become a rugby player. The discipline, hard work, physical and mental toughness. I took with me throughout my career, taking me from an Academy boy into a senior player.
I joined Dragons with a rucksack and a mullet. I didn’t know anyone. But I instantly knew this is where I was meant to be. I felt like myself and Dragons were a club that had something to prove - that underdog mentality is where I thrive. I started to understand what the region was made of. That’s tough, hardworking people, and that’s what I tried to portray in myself and give back every week on Rodney Parade. It was here that I found my purpose and who I am. That’s something I’ll always be thankful for. Being half Welsh, I felt at home.
Over the seasons there’s been a lot of change - coaches, players, badges, even team names! But above all, I’ve always had that overriding feeling that we were going to become a success story. That’s what’s driven me, to be successful for the club and people of Gwent. Although we haven’t always had the success we craved, the club has given me something to be a part of. It’s given me the ability to become a better rugby player, man, and daddy. After starting with nothing and knowing nobody, I leave as most capped prop to come through the region, with friends for life and my family. This will always be my home. Of course, careers are often judged on success, and I always chased more. But without coming to Dragons, I wouldn’t have my family and home. That is real success and the true purpose in life.
I know I haven’t been a perfect player, but I can look back and proudly say I give my all to this club. And after all the years of hard work and dedication, I had the opportunity to represent the club, my family, and myself in the red jersey of Wales. It was truly the highlight of my career. A memory I will always hold close to my heart.
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.
I’d personally like to thank Dai Flanagan and the club. The past season and months have been incredibly difficult, but they’ve looked after me and my family, above everything else. I’m truly grateful and appreciate all you’ve done.
To my team-mates at Dragons RFC. I wish you all every success in the future – it’s been an absolute honour to play alongside you all. You’ll now hear me loud and proud, supporting from the terraces.
Finally, without my family and loved ones, and their support and belief, I wouldn’t have been able to achieve and succeed in the ways I have. Behind closed doors our loved ones have to deal with a lot, and I owe everything to them.
It’s been one hell of a ride. I’m a lucky man and I appreciate everyone single one of you - thank you and I hope I’ve done you proud. Hard work beats talent and I’ve proved it to be true.
Big love, Barrel
