DYNAMIC Dragons back row forward Ollie Griffiths has been diagnosed with a tumour on his spine.

The 29-year-old from Newbridge has opted to reveal the diagnosis to stop speculation about his absence from action for the Rodney Parade club.

Griffiths missed the end of last season through injury and has not featured in pre-season after the tumour was discovered.

A Dragons statement does not say if it is cancerous but once-capped Griffiths, a father of one with his wife Cassie, will face surgery on his back and will be out ‘for the foreseeable future’.

INFLUENTIAL: Ollie Griffiths is a key figure for the DragonsINFLUENTIAL: Ollie Griffiths runs out on his 100th appearance for the Dragons (Image: Ben Evans/Huw Evans Agency)

“Following medical investigations, Ollie has been diagnosed with a tumour on the spine that requires intervention,” said the Dragons.

“Ollie is now undergoing treatment that is being reviewed monthly, he remains fit and well, and he is looking forward to returning to full health.

“The club will continue to work with Ollie to ensure he receives the best care and support to aid his treatment. Our sole concern is his health and the privacy of him and his family at this time.”

Griffiths became the youngest club captain in Newport RFC’s rich history in 2014 and burst onto the scene for the Dragons that season.

Explosive will ball in hand and a menace at the breakdown, he has racked up 105 appearances for the club.

Griffiths would have won more than his solitary Wales cap, won against Tonga in 2017, were it not for injury misfortune.

The forward signed a two-year contract in 2023 but will now focus on more important matters than rugby with the support of his relatives and the ‘Dragons family’, with Griffiths very much remaining part of the squad at their Ystrad Mynach base.

"We are fully supportive of him and his family during this period and they need privacy at this moment," said head coach Dai Flanagan.