Pewtner forced to retire from professional rugby
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Newport Gwent Dragons can confirm that Matthew Pewtner has retired from rugby with immediate effect, due to medical reasons.
Pewtner failed to recover from a head injury, which has resulted in the winger hanging up his rugby boots.
The International Sevens player began his rugby career at Blackwood RFC and progressed through the Dragons academy.
Pewtner made his debut for the Welsh Region in 2009 against Sale Sharks on 6th November.
The wing was capped for the Wales U16s and U20s teams, whilst also taking on the challenge of playing international sevens. He played a crucial part in the Dragons sevens squad that won the Premiership Singha Sevens Final in the Summer of 2015.
Commenting on his retirement, Matthew Pewtner said: “I am devastated that I have been forced to retire from rugby through injury.
“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.
“I have been playing rugby since I was 7 years old and to think that I can never play again is quite upsetting. Not only is it my job, rugby has played a really big part of my life. I have met many great friends through rugby too.
“I have had many highlights throughout my rugby career one of which being, taking the win against Stade Francais in Paris and was reaching the Hong Kong Sevens final against Fiji.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank my family and friends who have supported me throughout my rugby career. I would also like to thank the medical team at Newport Gwent Dragons – they too have been a fantastic support through this difficult time.
“I am currently undertaking my primary school PGCE and have studied throughout my time at the Dragons for my teaching degree – which the coaching staff have supported me through. I feel that this is where my future is and I hope to complete my PGCE before the end of the year.
“Finally, I would like to wish the squad and everyone involved at the Region all the best for the future.”
Dragons Director of Rugby, Lyn Jones added: “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.
“We wish him all the best for the future.”
