Dragons issue statement on Dan Lydiate's future at the club

Dragons RFC have confirmed that Wales and British & Irish Lions back-rower Dan Lydiate will retire from professional rugby at the end of the current season.

Lydiate has combined playing duties this season with a position on the Dragons’ coaching staff as breakdown coach and will continue in that role for the 2025/26 campaign, the Welsh URC outfit have confirmed.

Lydiate earned 72 caps for Wales and featured in all three Tests for the British and Irish Lions on their 2013 tour of Australia.

Renowned for his chop tackles, he was named Player of the Championship during Wales’ 2012 Grand Slam campaign and featured in three Rugby World Cups.

Originally from Llandrindod Wells and a product of Rhayader RFC and Pontypool United, Lydiate also made 90 appearances for the Ospreys and spent a season with Racing 92 in the Top 14.

The 37-year-old reached a century of appearances for the Dragons earlier this campaign. The 6’4, 115kg flanker originally made his debut for the region during the 2006/07 season.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for Dan, he’s got a large amount of grace and humility and he works hard,” said Dragons head coach Filo Tiatia.

“A British and Irish Lion, played for Wales, had a nasty injury and came through to become the person he is today.

“He’s been awesome to work with and we’re really looking forward to seeing him going back to the Ospreys on the weekend and enjoy the moments at his old stomping ground and leave some fingerprints on his last game in Wales.”

Lydiate’s 105th outing came off the bench against Scarlets at the Principality Stadium. A final regional appearance is scheduled for this weekend’s fixture against Ospreys at the Swansea.com Stadium.

Dragons CEO Rhys Blumberg said: “Dan has had a stellar career and has been an inspiration to Dragons players and fans both young and old for the best part of two-decades.”

“His career has been grounded in hard work and professionalism and a leader both on and off the pitch.

“We thank him for his enduring commitment to the club as a player and look forward to his future coaching career.”