Leon Brown: Wales and Dragons prop retires aged 28
2025-01-07
Category: sports

Dragons and Wales prop Leon Brown has announced his immediate retirement because of a neck injury.Brown, 28, played 24 internationals for Wales after making his debut in 2017 with his final Test appearance coming in the Six Nations home defeat against Scotland in February 2024.The tight-head prop has suffered from neck issues in recent years and only managed three appearances in the 2024-25 season with his last game coming against Benetton in the United Rugby Championship in October 2024."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," said Brown."I've always believed everything happens for a reason and sometimes things 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."
Dragons memories
Brown made 74 appearances for Dragons and scored five tries."I've been lucky enough to spend my entire playing career with the Dragons, something I've truly cherished and am incredibly proud of," said Brown."I'd like to send a massive shout out to my team-mates - both past and present - and to the loyal Dragons fans for your continued, unwavering support. "Everyone's help and support over the years has not gone unnoticed by my family or I, and we will be forever grateful."Finally there is a huge thank you to the Dragons for sticking by me and supporting me while I tried my best to get this neck to play ball."Dragons interim head coach Filo Tiatia said: "We're all disappointed Leon is retiring, but fully understand the decision he has now taken."I have enjoyed working with Leon.  He's left no stone unturned, with his dedication and professionalism, and developed as a leader in my time with him."
Wales head coach Warren Gatland has injury concerns at tight-head prop for the upcoming Six Nations with Bath's Archie Griffin having had shoulder surgery in December.Henry Thomas and Keiron Assiratti were the specialist number three options in Wales' 2024 autumn squad, while Harlequins prop Dillon Lewis is also available.Wales have struggled to fill the tight-head prop void left by Tomas Francis who has not played international rugby since the 2023 World Cup.Francis has he made himself unavailable for Wales since joining French second division side Provence but has not officially retired from the Test scene.The 32-year-old has not played since September because of injury.