Andrew Coombs' retirement announced by Newport Gwent Dragons
Monday 27 June 2016 15:19, UK
Wales and Newport Gwent Dragons forward Andrew Coombs has announced his retirement from rugby due to injury.
The 31-year-old lock has undergone a host of operations on the serious knee injury which has kept him sidelined for 14 months but has now been advised not to return to action following specialist consultation.
Coombs announced on Monday that he has ended his rugby career with immediate effect.
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 Six Nations.
He suffered 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.
He made 101 appearances for Newport RFC, the club where he had progressed through the youth ranks and rejoined after a spell with Premiership side Pontypool in 2005 and 2006, before switching to Newport Gwent Dragons in 2010.
