"3 Neck Surgeries in 3 Seasons" – Dragons and Wales Prop Leon Brown Announces Retirement
Yesterday at 11:28 AM
Dragons RFC and Wales international prop Leon Brown has announced his immediate retirement from professional rugby due to injury.
The 28-year-old front-rower, a product of the Dragons' Academy system, made 74 appearances for the club and scored five tries since his debut against Leicester Tigers in November 2016. His powerful performances for the Dragons earned him a senior Wales call-up in 2017, leading to 24 international caps, the last of which came during the 2022 Six Nations against Scotland.
Brown's final appearance for the Dragons came in the BKT United Rugby Championship against Benetton in October. Following three neck surgeries in as many seasons, he has now decided to step away from the game.
Brown Reflects on His Career
In his heartfelt retirement statement, Brown expressed gratitude for his rugby journey:
"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 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."
Tributes to a Homegrown Talent
Leon Brown's contributions to the Dragons and Welsh rugby did not go unnoticed, with tributes pouring in from across the club.
Filo Tiatia, Interim Head Coach at Dragons RFC, praised Brown's dedication and influence: "We're all disappointed that Leon is retiring, but fully understand the decision he has now taken.
"I have really enjoyed working with Leon. He's left no stone unturned, with his dedication and professionalism, and really developed as a leader in my time with him.
"Leon has been an important player for the club, a success story from our Academy system, with his performances earning international recognition.
"We now wish him every success for the future. Leon will always be a part of our club and welcomed by us all at Rodney Parade."
Dragons Chairman Dai Wright also acknowledged Brown's impact on the club and his unfortunate early retirement: "On behalf of everyone connected to our club, I'd like to thank Leon for his contribution throughout his long association with Dragons RFC.
"Leon is a homegrown player who we all enjoyed watching coming through the ranks and into the senior set-up. He has made many crucial contributions on the field over the years and was fully deserving of every international honour he won with Wales.
"It's always disappointing when a player of Leon's calibre and talent has his career cut short through injury, but he leaves us knowing he always gave it everything and left a lasting impression on us all.
"Leon is a very popular member of the squad, and he will be greatly missed by everyone. We now wish him and his family the very best for the next chapter of their lives together."
A Lasting Legacy
Leon Brown's rugby journey may have been cut short, but his contributions to the Dragons and Welsh rugby will be remembered. A true homegrown talent, Brown retires with pride in his achievements and leaves behind a legacy of resilience, professionalism, and passion for the game.
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