Richard Bryan has been released from the final year of his contract by Leeds Carnegie following injury.
Carnegie release former Dragons forward
Richard Bryan has been released from the final year of his contract by Leeds Carnegie.
The back-rower will return to Bristol to continue his recovery from a knee reconstruction and focus on other activities.
Bryan began his professional career at Bath and then moved to Bridgend where as captain, he led the team to the last Welsh Premiership title before the introduction of regional rugby. He was then drafted into the Celtic Warriors side before moving to the Newport-Gwent Dragons in 2004.
He made 12 appearances for Leeds in their Championship winning campaign before he suffered from a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament on April 5th. The injury left Bryan needing a complete knee reconstruction.
Director of rugby, Stuart Lancaster told the club's official site: "We are obviously disappointed to lose Richard from the squad for next season. During his time at the club, he has gained the respect of the players and coaching staff alike.
"He has worked hard to come back from injury at the start of the season and put himself back in the frame in a very competitive position for us; our back row.
"I am sure, knowing the mental strength and determination that Richard possesses, this will only be a temporary set back for him and everyone at the club wishes him well for the future."
Luck
Bryan, 30, is aiming to get back to the game in the future following his time-out at home to recover.
Commenting on his departure from Leeds he said: "I really appreciate the support I have had from the management and players at the club since I suffered my injury and I would like to wish everyone the best of luck for the forthcoming season.
"I am sure they will achieve the aims they are going for. Unfortunately, the Leeds supporters did not get to see the best of me and I have had a difficult last two-and-a-half years with injury.
"I am going to take some time out now to rehab my knee back home in Bristol and pursue other interests away from the game before looking to come back to playing in the future."
