Griffiths back at Dragons as conditioning coach

Ollie Griffiths won a Wales cap against Tonga in 2017

Former back row Ollie Griffiths has returned to Dragons as a strength and conditioning coach nine months after retiring because of a tumour on his spine.

The 30-year-old from Newbridge hung up his boots last December after being diagnosed with Langerhans cell histiocytosis.

A tumour on his spine caused nerve damage that affected mobility but his recovery is going well. He is off medication and a recent scan showed signs of improvement.

Griffiths has worked as a personal fitness coach since retiring and has now been confirmed on Filo Tiatia's staff in a part-time role.

Griffiths has helped Dragons in their pre-season preparations for the start of the United Rugby Championship (URC) at the end of September.

"It's nice to be back around the place," said Griffiths. "I'm involved in a different capacity but I missed the day-to-day interaction and camaraderie.

"I've got some close mates here so I was a little bit apprehensive about how it would feel coming back as a coach, but the squad has changed a lot since I finished and I have really enjoyed it.

"The Dragons has been a part of my life for so many years so it's great to be back and to be part of the team."

Griffiths made 105 Dragons appearances and was capped by Wales against Tonga in the summer of 2017.

He will work alongside head of conditioning Ryan Harris two days a week with a focus on the forwards, while also assisting with individual programmes and help players on their return from injury.

Head coach Tiatia said: "Ollie knows exactly what it means to be a Dragon, has the absolute respect of his peers and always drives the highest of standards.

"He will undoubtedly make a big impact as part of our strength and conditioning team."

Dragons play pre-season friendlies against Hartpury and Scarlets before a URC opener against Ulster in Belfast on Friday, 26 September.