NEWPORT Gwent Dragons captain Lee Byrne has been forced to retire with immediate effect as a result of a shoulder injury.

The 34-year-old former Wales and British and Irish Lions star joined the Dragons from Clermont Auvergne last summer and was named as captain for the 2014/15 season.

But Byrne made only six appearances for the Rodney Parade region and hasn’t featured since tearing a shoulder muscle against Newcastle last October.

The full-back, who helped Wales to Grand Slam glory in 2008 and played in the 2011 World Cup, said: “This is a disappointing time for me but I’m looking forward to the future.

“I’m not sure what the next chapter holds or even what I want to do, but I am planning on taking some down time over the next few weeks to look at my opportunities – whether that’s in rugby or a new career.

“I would like to take this opportunity thank my wife, family, and friends for their support over the years. I’m frustrated to be in this position but I’m happy to have enjoyed my time in the game having fulfilled all my rugby ambitions at both club and international level.

“I have made terrific friends and have had incredible experiences.

“I would also like to thank Lyn Jones for making me the Dragons captain.

“I’m glad I had the chance to play a small part in this season’s success and it is great to know that I am leaving with the Region on a high, with such good things to come.

“Everyone at the Dragons has been very supportive with my care, the medical team and strength and conditioning team in particular.

“I’d like to thank them all for their support during the last few months and extend that thanks to everyone involved in the region.”

Bridgend-born Byrne began his professional rugby career at Llanelli Scarlets when the region was formed in 2003, going on to play for the Ospreys and Clermont before joining the Men of Gwent.

He earned his Wales debut in 2005 and made a total of 46 appearances for the national team, as well as winning one cap during the 2009 Lions tour of South Africa.

Dragons director of rugby, Lyn Jones said: “Lee is a fantastic rugby player and has been a great influence on many of our younger players.

“He will be missed both on and off the pitch, and I know that everyone here at Newport Gwent Dragons wish him all the best in the future.”

The Dragons are boosted by the return of Rynard Landman from suspension for this weekend’s Judgement Day clash with the Scarlets at the Millennium Stadium.

But fellow lock Cory Hill (leg) is a doubt and Nic Cudd (quad) could also miss out but Nick Crosswell (back) should be fit.