Adam Hughes says continuing to play rugby was not an option

Dragons centre Adam Hughes has announced his retirement from professional rugby with immediate effect due to a brain injury.

The 28-year-old Newport-born academy product, who has made 119 appearances for the region since his debut in 2010, scoring 22 tries and 124 points, has not featured since facing Ulster in the Guinness PRO14 in September.

Hughes said in a statement on the Dragons' website: "Following a precautionary scan at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, the neurologist said that playing rugby wasn't an option due to two major trauma scars that I had sustained on my brain.

"So the decision was made there and then for me.

"Playing for the Dragons has given me some unbelievable moments.

"I will never forget running onto the pitch for my first appearance at home against Cardiff Blues in front of a packed Rodney Parade, and almost scoring in the corner with my first touch.

"Any derby wins or knock out competition game we have had over the years will be highlights for me, but going up against Montpellier in the semi-final of the European Rugby Challenge Cup and all the superstars they had that day, will be the big highlight!

"Finally I would like to thank my wife and family for all their support over the years and for the number of miles they have clocked up attending home and away games.

"I would also like to thank the fans for their support.

"For them to even make their own song for me 'The Dambusters' was a good laugh, and it's things like that and the turnout in the away games at places like Kingsholm that will live with me for a long time to come."

Dragons head coach Bernard Jackman added: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank Adam for the huge contribution he has made to the Dragons.

"He was a versatile player who had brilliant pace and evasion. We wish him well in his next career."