The former Wales captain and Bristol forward Ryan Jones has retired from playing on medical advice. The 34-year-old, who won 75 caps for Wales and won three Grand Slam titles, had been recovering from shoulder surgery at the end of last season.
“The old cliche of making the decision with a heavy heart is true on this occasion,” he said. “The last few weeks have been emotionally tough for me. I’ve had to recognise, and come to terms with, the fact that while the mind is still very willing, the body is no longer able to do what I want it to on a rugby pitch.”
Ryan had a year left on his contract with Bristol, having joined in 2014 after 10 years with Ospreys.