Dragons and former Wales star Ian Gough announces retirement

Newport Gwent Dragons lock Ian Gough has announced he will retire at the end of the season.

Gough has made over 100 appearances for Dragons and was also capped 64 times for Wales, winning two grand slams in 2005 and 2008.

During 19 years in the game, Gough had two spells at Newport as well as representing Ospreys and London Irish.

“I have had such a long rugby career and I have been lucky that my body has allowed me to do so in the pro era,” Gough said.

“My career is something that I will look fondly on and I have no regrets through the good times and the bad.”

During Gough’s time at Newport he helped them win the Principality Cup in 2001. He also made over a century of appearances for Ospreys during a six year spell from 2007 to 2013. 

“It’s been an honour and a privilege to play in front of the crowds and in many of the stadiums that I have done," Gough added.

Newport Gwent Dragons director and former rugby manager of the region, Jim McCreedyn said: “Ian is renowned as an uncompromising player and has made a huge impact at our region and in Welsh rugby.”

The Welsh lock has made a total of 211 regional appearances since 2003 including featuring on 10 occasions this season.