Welsh international Jones retires

Rugby:Wales international Dafydd Jones has announced his retirement after failing to recover from a serious shoulder injury.

The Scarlets flanker was hurt during Wales' clash against New Zealand in November 2009, and subsequently underwent two operations.

But he has now decided to retire from rugby after consulting specialists. The 31-year-old won 42 caps, making his Test debut in 2002, and had 13 seasons with the Llanelli-based Scarlets.

He will continue his association with the Scarlets for the next six months, including assisting in the academy and community departments.

"This has been a really tough time for me and my family," he said. "It's a very hard decision to retire from rugby, which has been the sport and career I've known and loved since I was a teenager.

"All my efforts have gone into playing rugby for the Scarlets and for Wales, and I am very proud of and enjoyed everything I have done. It has taken a while to sink in that I'm not actually going to be playing any more, but the decision was really made for me as the medics said there was no way back from the damage caused by the injury."

Scarlets coach Nigel Davies added: "Dafydd has been a trusted, committed and respected senior member of this Scarlets squad and a loyal servant to our team for over a decade.

"All his colleagues here are really disappointed to see such a great player and popular team-mate having to end his career early. He was a formidable player to have in your squad, a guy you can rely on. He's been a firm favourite among players and supporters alike for his brave, honest and down-to-earth attitude."