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Welsh legend to swap playing boots for coaching whistle

By @rugby365com
Thursday 24 Apr 2025

NEWS: Dragons, British and Irish Lions and Wales legend Dan Lydiate has announced his playing retirement from professional rugby at the end of this season.

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Lydiate – who made his 100th appearance for Dragons this season during his second spell at the club, after his debut almost two decades ago in the 2006-07 season – is one of the finest and most destructive flankers ever to play for Wales.

Famed for his chop tackle, the 37-year-old will finish his playing career having won 72 caps for Wales, alongside three Test appearances on the 2013 British and Irish Lions tour.

Additionally, the former Rhayader RFC and Pontypool United youth player, made 90 appearances for Ospreys while also spending time in France with Racing 92.

Lydiate came off the bench for Dragons against Scarlets on JDX at the Millennium Stadium for his 105th appearance and the penultimate one on Welsh soil before he and the men of Gwent face Ospreys at Liberty Stadium on Saturday.

Lydiate’s stellar career has seen him take part in three World Cups, along with two Six Nations winning campaigns, being named player of the Championship after the 2012 Grand Slam.

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This season has seen Lydiate take on the role of Dragons’ breakdown coach as he balanced his playing career with his coaching aspirations.

He will now continue in that coaching capacity – and maintain his strong association with Dragons RFC – into the 2025-26 season.

The article continues below…

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“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.”

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.”

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