Statement: Wales international hands up his boots following injury nightmare
Yesterday at 11:02 AM
Wales prop Leon Brown has announced his retirement from professional rugby with immediate effect.
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After enduring three neck surgeries, the 28-year-old has decided to hang up his boots, bringing an early end to a promising career.
Dragons debut to stalwart status
Brown, a product of Dragons RFC, made 74 appearances for the Men of Gwent, scoring five tries along the way. His debut came in a clash against Leicester Tigers back in November 2016, setting the stage for a solid stint with his hometown team.
Senior Wales call-up in 2017
Brown's standout performances in the Dragons' forward pack earned him a senior Wales call-up just a year later, in November 2017. A reliable force in the scrum, he quickly became a trusted figure on the international stage.
24 caps for Wales
The prop notched up 24 caps for his country, with his last international outing during the 2023 Six Nations fixture against Scotland at the Principality Stadium. His final club appearance came in the United Rugby Championship against Benetton in October.
Reflecting on his career
"All good things must come to an end," said Brown. "Although my career was shorter than I'd hoped, I've made many fond memories and have no regrets. Even though the rest of my body feels ready to continue, my neck has other ideas. After three surgeries in as many seasons, it's time to listen to it and step away."
Gratitude and pride
Brown expressed his thanks to everyone who supported him throughout his journey, stating, "I've been fortunate to spend my entire career with the Dragons. It's something I've truly cherished and am incredibly proud of."
Wales wing returns home: A fresh start on familiar ground
As Brown steps away, Welsh rugby continues to evolve, with a prominent wing returning home from Premiership duties for an exciting new chapter. Change is in the air, but Brown's legacy as a dependable and talented prop will remain a source of inspiration for the next generation.
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