Dragons prop Fairbrother announces retirement

Prop Lloyd Fairbrother is joint fifth for Dragons' all-time appearances with 172

Dragons prop Lloyd Fairbrother has announced his retirement from professional rugby with immediate effect at the age of 32 because of a back injury.

After joining Dragons in 2014, Fairbrother made 172 appearances and is joint fifth in the all-time appearance charts.

He made his final appearance in the New Year's Day game against Scarlets and has now made the decision to hang up his boots.

"Regrettably, I've had to make the decision to step away from professional rugby and focus on my health, wellbeing, and family," said Fairbrother.

"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 carrying on will be detrimental to my long-term health.

"I'd like to thank everyone that's been a part of my journey. To all the clubs I've represented, past and present players and staff and 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."

Pride at Wales appearance

Lloyd Fairbrother (left) with Dragons team-mate Elliot Dee after Wales' victory in the uncapped match against Barbarians

Fairbrother was born in Cornwall but qualified for Wales because his mother was born in Blaenavon.

He represented Wales in an uncapped fixture against 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.

"We are all disappointed that Lloyd is leaving us, but support and understand the difficult decision he has taken ahead of the new season," said Dragons head coach Dai Flanagan.

"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."