Backrower Ollie Griffiths announced his retirement from professional rugby with immediate effect today.
The 29-year-old made 105 appearances for Dragons RFC with his century coming against Edinburgh in October 2023.
Griffiths issued his statement following the announcement here.
The former Wales international played his final game for Dragons against Hollywoodbets Sharks in January 2024 almost a decade since his debut off the bench against Ulster in November 2014.
Griffiths scored six tries during his time at the club while also becoming Newport’s youngest captain in history, along with leading Wales under-20s during the 2014 Six Nations.
Filo Tiatia paid tribute to Griffiths’ impact at the region during his decade at the club.
“It’s definitely a sad day, I didn’t really work with Ollie, but I’ve seen him play and his performances for the club,” said Tiatia.
“Over 100 or so games and he’s had a massive impact in the region.
“I messaged him the other day to wish him all the best. This is his home and anytime he wants to pop in he’s welcome because he’s made a massive impact and he’s a special man.”
Griffiths announced his retirement to the players on Monday during a team meeting and was met with a standing ovation.
“The players were sad,” said Tiatia. “When he announced it to the group they all stood up and gave him a standing ovation and it was an emotional moment for a lot of those boys.”
“When you’re fighting for your life, fighting for the things that are important having been out of the game for a long time it’s hard to let go.
“He’s quite an inspirational man and just to see him how he is now, you wouldn’t think he is sick, he’s a fit man and looks after himself.
“For some reason God puts us in these difficult situations. But yeh, he’s a special guy.”
This is his home and anytime he wants to pop in he’s welcome because he’s made a massive impact and he’s a special man...
