Dragons RFC and Wales international prop Leon Brown has today announced his retirement from professional rugby with immediate effect.
The homegrown front row made a total of 74 appearances for Dragons RFC, scoring five tries, after his debut against Leicester Tigers in November 2016.
Brown has been a formidable figure in the Dragons xpack and his form for the Men of Gwent deservedly earned him a senior Wales call-up in November 2017.
He went on to win 24 senior caps for his country, his most recent appearance coming in last year’s Six Nations against Scotland.
The 28-year-old made his final club appearance in the BKT United Rugby Championship fixture with Benetton in October and has now made the decision to hang up his boots through injury.
In his retirement announcement Leon Brown said: “All good things must come to an end and as I look back on my career, although shorter than I'd hoped, I do so with many fond memories and no regrets at all. I've always believed that everything happens for a reason and sometimes things just aren't meant to be.
“Even though the rest of my body feels ready to continue to play, my neck clearly has other ideas. After three surgeries in the last three seasons, it’s time for me to listen to it and call it a day.
“I should name every individual who’s helped and supported me along the way, but in keeping with my less is more approach, I will instead say a big ‘thank you’ to everyone who has been with me every step.
“I’ve been lucky enough to spend my entire playing career with the Dragons, something I’ve truly cherished and am incredibly proud of.
Filo Tiatia, Interim Head Coach at Dragons RFC, today paid tribute to Brown’s impact at the club and added: “We’re all disappointed that Leon is retiring, but fully understand the decision he has now taken.
“I have really enjoyed working with Leon. He’s left no stone unturned, with his dedication and professionalism, and really developed as a leader in my time with him.
“Leon has been an important player for the club, a success story from our Academy system, with his performances earning international recognition.
“We now wish him every success for the future. Leon will always be a part of our club and welcomed by us all at Rodney Parade.”
Chairman Dai Wright added: “On behalf of everyone connected to our club, I’d like to thank Leon for his contribution throughout his long association with Dragons RFC.
“Leon is a homegrown player who we all enjoyed watching coming through the ranks and into the senior set-up. He has made many crucial contributions on the field over the years and was fully deserving of every international honour he won with Wales.
“It’s always disappointing when a player of Leon’s calibre and talent has his career cut short through injury, but he leaves us knowing he always gave it everything and left a lasting impression on us all.
“Leon is a very popular member of the squad, and he will be greatly missed by everyone. We now wish him and his family the very best for the next chapter of their lives together.”
All good things must come to an end and as I look back on my career, although shorter than I'd hoped, I do so with many fond memories and no regrets at all. I've always believed that everything happens for a reason and sometimes things just aren't meant to be...
