Rod Snow is retiring from rugby at the end of the season.

The popular prop forward has been at Rodney Parade for ten years with Newport and Newport Gwent Dragons. He has also played 55 times for Canada. He intends returning to his native Newfoundland with his family in the summer.

"This has not been an easy decision to reach," he said. "But after talking to my friends and family I've decided it's the right time to retire and return home at the end of the season.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Rodney Parade and it has been an honour and privilege to play for both Newport and Newport Gwent Dragons.

"There have been many highlights in my career, including winning the Principality Cup, and I've played under some world class coaches and alongside some of the world's best players.

"I would like to thank the coaches, players and, of course, the outstanding fans who have made me and my family so welcome and given me tremendous support."

Chief executive Andy Marinos said: "I cannot speak highly enough of Rod. He is a tremendous player who you would want in your side.

"He is the epitome of professionalism in training and on and off the field. He will be sorely missed by the players, coaching staff and supporters.

"He has made an outstanding contribution to Welsh and world rugby and has been a fantastic role model."

There will be a testimonial game for Snow on Friday, May 20, at 7.15pm. Already confirmed to play are former Rodney Parade favourites Gary Teichmann, Gareth Rees and Shane Howarth.

Snow has been such a fixture at Rodney Parade for the past decade that it will be diffcult to imagine the place without him.

A prop par excellence, Snow was such a big favourite because of his enormous dedication, pride in his performance, his bullocking runs and his sheer commitment.

Meanwhile, the Dragons travel to St Helen's on Friday to face a Neath Swansea Ospreys side who will win the Celtic League title if they beat the Dragons and Munster fail to gain a point against Ulster at Cork the same night.

The Dragons are likely to be without six Wales squad players and Nathan Brew is still struggling with an ankle injury, but the Ospreys will be without seven Welsh players.