Ex-Wales prop Aaron Jarvis will retire after Friday's Dragons game

Former Wales prop Aaron Jarvis will retire from professional rugby following this Friday's Challenge Cup clash for Dragons against Lyon at Rodney Parade. Capped 18 times by his country, the front-rower moved to Dragons in 2018 following stints at Bath, Clermont and Ospreys and he will now move to America to continue his fledgling coaching career.   

A Dragons statement read: "Jarvis has worked closely with the next generation of talent in the Dragons academy and U18s set-up over the last three seasons, as part of the region’s support of his transition into coaching. The Exeter-born prop will now take on a full-time coaching role as an assistant coach at Dallas Jackals in Major League Rugby, moving to North America in the new year."

Dragons boss Dean Ryan said: “Aaron has enjoyed an impressive career and we thank him for his contribution and efforts at Dragons. 

"We have been keen to support Aaron as he makes the move into the next stage of his career through his coaching work with the Dragons academy over the last three seasons. He leaves with the best wishes of everyone connected to the Dragons.”

Jarvis, who made his international debut for Wales in 2012 against Argentina at Principality Stadium and featured in three games at the 2015 World Cup, added: “I have got an exciting opportunity to take the next step and now feels like the right time to call an end to my playing career and move to the next stage.

“I will look back with lots of memories. I have made some great friends along the way and won a few things, so there is a sense of pride. I have really enjoyed my time but it just feels right to call it now. I have absolutely loved it at Dragons. It has been a great environment to be in and there is a lot of young talent coming through, which is a really positive thing for the region."

Jarvis began his professional career at Bath in 2006 before a move to Wales and the Ospreys in 2011, where he won the Celtic League title in 2012. The prop also had a two-year spell in France and was part of the Clermont side that won the 2017 Top 14.