'That wasn't meant to be': Former Wales centre announces retirement

Centre Cory Allen has today announced his retirement from professional rugby with immediate effect.

The former Wales international – capped six times by his country and part of the 2015 Rugby World Cup squad – linked up with the Men of Gwent in 2021.

The 29-year-old has now made the decision to hang up his boots on medical advice and move into the next stage of his career.

Dai Flanagan, Head Coach at Dragons RFC, said: “I’ve known Cory for many years, and he’s been a fantastic rugby player. He’s worked hard to return to full fitness and so we’re all disappointed that he’s now had to make this decision.

“Cory has always been a popular member of the squad and although he has not featured for us, he’s played a full role here, helping develop young players and passing on his experience and knowledge.

“He’s been an asset for us with his work in and around the club and leaves us with our best wishes for the next chapter in his life.

“Cory and his family will always be warmly welcomed back to Rodney Parade in the future.”

Allen made his professional debut aged 18 for Cardiff Rugby against Newcastle Falcons in October 2011.

He made his full international debut against Argentina in November 2013 and memorably scored a hat-trick of tries in Wales first game of the 2015 Rugby World Cup against Uruguay.

Allen moved to Ospreys in 2017 but suffered a serious knee injury in 2019.

"I'd like to say a massive thank you to everyone at the Dragons for the last 18 months," he said.

“Firstly, to the management for showing the amount of faith and trust in me that they did and giving me every opportunity to get back to playing is something I will forever be immensely grateful for.

“Secondly, the players for making it such an enjoyable place to come to work. There was obviously a lot of really low points during the setbacks but having such an enjoyable place to come to work really made such a massive difference.

“Lastly, the physio department and, in particular, Ben Stirling. The number of hours he invested in me on the physio bed, in the gym and travelling all over the U.K to see specialist he truly went above and beyond to get me to where I am today, to a place where I can walk again pain free something I really wasn’t sure I’d ever be able to do again. So, I can’t thank him enough for that!

“I really would have loved to have thanked everyone by being able to run out and represent the club on the field, but unfortunately that wasn’t meant to be.

"I wish everyone at the club all the best in the future, and I'm sure with the trajectory they're on and with the amount of improvements I've seen in my time there, more positive things are just around the corner."

- Ospreys Rugby