Newport Gwent Dragons Matthew Pewtner forced to retire with head injury

Newport Gwent Dragons winger Matthew Pewtner has announced his retirement from rugby on medical grounds.

The Dragons issued a statement on their official website saying that the 25-year-old former Wales Sevens player had failed to recover from a head injury.

Capped by Wales at under-16 and under-20 level Pewtner made his Dragons debut in 2009.

"I am devastated that I have been forced to retire from rugby through injury," Pewtner told www.newportgwentdragons.com.

"It has been very difficult to come to terms with retiring, but I know that it is the right decision for me and my health."

Dragons director of rugby Lyn Jones said: "It saddens us all to hear that Matthew has been forced to retire through injury.

"We are all grateful for Matthew's fantastic contribution to the team throughout the years he has been with the region; he will be missed on and off the field."