Dragons and Wales hooker Bradley Roberts forced to retire

The 28-year-old, who was capped five times, was warned by specialists that another blow could have resulted in a life-changing injury.

Roberts, whose last appearance was against the Sharks in January, was told towards the end of last season and, after digesting the news while rehabbing with the Dragons in pre-season despite being out of contract, has hung up his boots.

It brings to an end a professional career that looked unlikely when rejected by the Sharks academy in his native Durban for being too small.

His route to becoming a Test player, courtesy of a grandmother from Ceredigion, took him to RGC in Colwyn Bay, Rainey Old Boys in Northern Ireland and Ulster before his move to the Dragons.

Packing a punch despite his size, Roberts became a Rodney Parade favourite with his strong ball-carrying over 27 appearances, scoring seven tries for the club.

POWERFUL: Bradley Roberts on the charge for the Dragons against the Sharks (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

“Ever since I was a young boy, I dreamed of playing in big stadiums - more often than not doubting whether that would ever be my fate,” he said. “Sometimes struggling to find a reason why I was still giving it my all with no clear path or light at the end of the tunnel.

“Present me can look back and tell myself how proud I am for believing in me even when the future wasn’t looking bright.

“Through positivity, belief, and work ethic (and a bit of luck), I made my dream a reality. I’m a big believer in you create your own luck and there’s no point in being lucky if you aren’t prepared for what lucky brings.

“My career has been short but very sweet and I will look back at this chapter with massive pride and astonishment.

“I have no doubt it will leave me in good stead for whatever life has in store for. If my life so far is anything to go by, I’m sure it will be very exciting.”

Roberts was picked up by Ulster in 2020 and won his first cap against South Africa in 2021.

That prompted him to move to Wales with the Dragons the following summer in a bid to boost his international hopes, although he was on the fringes under both Wayne Pivac and Warren Gatland.

He scored a try against France in Paris in last year's Six Nations but then missed out on the World Cup training squad.

Nonetheless, Roberts became an international player after an unconventional route to being a pro.

JOY: Bradley Roberts celebrates the Dragons' win against the Ospreys (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

“I’d just like to take this moment to thank everyone who has made my career possible,” he said in an emotional message.

“Thank you to Rainey Old Boys RFC for reigniting my love for the game and for giving me a stepping stone to achieve my dreams.

“Thank you to Ulster Rugby for taking a chance on me when nobody else would. My time in Belfast was nothing short of amazing and to be honest it was life changing!

“I’ll forever be grateful for opportunities you presented me with and for the experiences I had the privilege of being involved in.

“Thank you to the Dragons for being my home for the last few seasons. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time in Newport and am excited to see what this group can achieve. I have no doubt that the only way is up and that there is a big future ahead of the club.

“To all the fans of both clubs, Thank you so much for the support I really appreciate it.

“Finally, I would like to thank my friends and family. I am blessed to have such supportive friends and even more supportive parents who backed me all the way.

“Mom, you’re a legend and have been my biggest supporter ever since I was a youngster. The sacrifices you made for me have not gone unnoticed and without you this all wouldn’t be possible.

“I owe you everything. I look forward to all the games of golf we have coming our way.

“To Dad, you are my ‘why?’. I think about you every day and I wish that you could still be with us to experience it all.

“I know you’d be so proud of me, and I miss and love you every day. I’m so happy I could honour you both by making you both proud.”