NEWPORT Gwent Dragons lock Andrew Coombs has retired after being forced to admit defeat in his bid to return to fitness from a series of knee injuries.

The 31-year-old has hung up his boots after undergoing a host of operations since landing awkwardly in the Dragons’ European Challenge Cup quarter-final victory against Cardiff Blues in April, 2015.

He revealed on Twitter in May that he would need to under the knife for a seventh time but now the forward has reluctantly accepted the advice of specialists to retire, bringing to an end to a remarkable and resilient career at Rodney Parade.

The Nelson native fought back from being released by the Dragons as a youngster after suffering shoulder problems to become one of the stars of the 2013 Six Nations as Wales won the title.

The former computer software salesman earned another shot as a professional after starring for Pontypool and then as captain at Newport.

Coombs led the charge for the Black and Ambers in some memorable British and Irish Cup encounters with full-timers and was named Principality Premiership player of the year in 2010. He would make 101 appearances for Newport.

Abrasive, committed and a terrific leader, the Dragons saw that he deserved another deal and Coombs grasped his second chance so emphatically that he won 10 caps for Wales after moving from the back row to lock.

He made his debut in the Six Nations clash with Ireland in 2013 and played against Paris in France and Italy in Rome before coming off the bench in the famous 30-3 victory against England in Cardiff that secured the title.

The following season he was given the honour of leading the Dragons and he carried out his duties with the same gusto as he had when wearing black and amber.

However, the injury suffered in the European derby quarter-final victory means that his 86th appearance would be his last.

Dragons chief executive Stuart Davies said: “Andrew was highly regarded and valued by his teammates, and his early retirement represents a significant blow to everyone at Rodney Parade.

“We would like to acknowledge the fantastic contribution Andrew made during his seven seasons with the region, and to congratulate him on an excellent career.

“I can personally empathise with the problems Andrew has faced over the last year and the difficult decision he has had to make. I wish him the very best in his future endeavours.”