Wales and Newport Gwent Dragons forward Andrew Coombs has announced his retirement from rugby due to injury.
The 31-year-old lock, having undergone a host of operations on the serious knee injury which has kept him sidelined for 14 months, has been advised not to return to action following specialist consultation.
Coombs has now called time on his rugby career with immediate affect
Newport chief executive Stuart Davies said: "Andrew was highly regarded and valued by his team-mates, and his retirement represents a significant loss to everyone at Rodney Parade. We would like to acknowledge the fantastic contribution Andrew made during his seven seasons with the region.
"I can personally empathise with the problems Andrew has faced over the last year, and the difficult decision he has had to make. I wish him the very best in his future endeavours."
Coombs won 10 caps for Wales, with his last appearance coming against England at Twickenham in the 2014 RBS 6 Nations.
He sustained his career-ending knee injury after falling awkwardly at a line-out during Newport's European Rugby Challenge Cup quarter-final victory over Cardiff last April.
Source: PA
