Dragons and Wales forward Griffiths retires aged 29 due to spine tumour

LONDON: Dragons and Wales international back-row forward Ollie Griffiths has retired with immediate effect after being diagnosed with a tumour on his spine.

The 29-year-old made 105 appearances for the Dragons over 10 seasons and won his solitary Wales cap against Tonga in Auckland in 2017.

Griffiths made a substitute appearance in a non-capped match against Barbarians in Cardiff two years later.

“It’s with a mix of emotions that I announce my retirement from professional rugby after over a decade of playing for Dragons RFC,” Griffiths told the United Rugby Championship club’s website.

“In early 2024, I was diagnosed with Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis. Although my treatment has been progressing well, and I remain optimistic about the outcome, complications have led to nerve issues that prevent me from returning to the field.

“I believe everything happens for a reason, and this diagnosis has given me a new perspective on what really matters: my health.

“Rather than feeling disappointed about how my career has ended, I feel incredibly fortunate and grateful for the perspective this experience has given me.

“Playing for Dragons RFC for over a decade and representing Wales has been the greatest honour of my career.” Griffiths has been awarded a testimonial year with the Dragons in 2025.