NEWPORT Gwent Dragons' former Wales lock Adam Jones has announced his retirement.

The 34-year-old, who was capped against England and Scotland in the 2006 Six Nations, was out of contract at the end of the season.

Jones underwent an operation on his foot yesterday has opted to concentrate on a burgeoning fitness business rather than attempting to find a new club upon his recovery.

He signed for the Dragons from the Scarlets in 2007 as a replacement for Ian Gough and went on to make 127 appearances for the region, the last of which came in the home LV= Cup defeat to Northampton in January.

"I would like to thank everyone at Rodney Parade who has made my time such an enjoyable experience and helped me to further my rugby career," said Jones.

"I have been with the Dragons since 2007 and have been playing professionally for about 16 years. I have definitely watched the squad grow throughout the years and have their ups and downs, season to season.

"But with the likes of (director of rugby) Lyn Jones here I can see the club becoming one of the best in Wales and am disappointed to be leaving at this time."

Jones fell behind Andrew Coombs, Robert Sidoli, Cory Hill and Matthew Screech in the pecking order this season.

The Dragons are closing in on another seasoned lock for next season while both the management team and academy bosses are extremely excited by the potential of 18-year-old Joe Davies.

The Newport High School pupil made his regional debut alongside Jones in the LV= Cup clash against the Scarlets at the age of just 17 last November and was selected ahead of his age-grade by Wales Under-20s in the Six Nations.

Jones, meanwhile, will now be able to devote all his time to Revolution Runs, a business that will hold obstacle course running events.