T Rhys Thomas retires from professional rugby

Former Wales hooker T Rhys Thomas is retiring at the age of 35 because of injury and will concentrate on his coaching role with the Dragons academy.

He won 27 caps between 2005 and 2008, including all four matches at the 2007 Rugby World Cup.

The 35-year-old made 70 appearances for the Dragons and captained the side in 2015/16 after previously playing for Wasps and Cardiff Blues, helping the Welsh region win the Challenge Cup by stunning a star-studded Toulon in 2010.

Thomas brings to an end a long and successful playing career. The 35-year-old won 27 caps for Wales and played all four matches at the 2007 Rugby World Cup.

The Dragons have brought in two new replacement hookers, London Irish's Gerard Ellis and Cardiff Blues' Liam Belcher. The pair will compete with Elliot Dee and Rhys Buckle for the number two jersey.