Wales international Andrew Coombs announces retirement
Andrew Coombs has been forced to call time on his rugby career because of injury
©Press Association
Wales back-row Andrew Coombs has decided to retire from professional rugby following a knee injury.
The 31-year-old sustained the injury while representing his club Newport Gwent Dragons in the 25-21 victory over Cardiff Blues in the quarter-final of the European Challenge Cup in April 2015.
Ever since the injury, the 31-year-old has been undergoing a series of operations on his knee, which has kept him out of action for almost 14 months and has been warned against taking the field again.
Coombs started his professional rugby career with Pontypool RFC in 2004 and moved to Newport RFC for five years between 2006 and 2011 during which he represented the club 101 times and went on to captain the side in 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons.
He joined the Dragons in 2009 and went on to make 86 appearances.
Coombs represented Wales in 10 Tests during his two-year stint in 2013-14 and his last appearance for his country came in March 2014 against England at Twickenham.
Newport chief executive Stuart Davies described the retirement of Coombs as a big loss to the club and lauded the contribution made by the veteran lock.
"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."
