Dragons and Wales prop Leon Brown has today announced his retirement from professional rugby with immediate effect

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.

I’d like to send a massive shoutout to my teammates - 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, a huge thank you to Dragons RFC for sticking by me and supporting me while I tried my best to get this neck to play ball!

Remember: nothing is ever as good as it seems, and nothing is ever as bad, either. Peaks and troughs!

Thanks for everything.

Leon