Former Wales star Byrne retires

leebyrne - Cropped

Former Wales international Lee Byrne has retired from rugby union after failing to recover from a shoulder injury.

The Newport Gwent Dragons man has not played since tearing a shoulder muscle against Newcastle Falcons in October.

Byrne featured 46 times for Wales after making his debut against New Zealand at the Millennium Stadium in November 2005 and last represented his country in the 2011 World Cup versus Fiji.

The full-back was part of the Wales side that achieved a Six Nations Grand Slam in 2008 and was drafted into the British and Irish Lions squad a year later where he made one appearance on the tour of South Africa.

"This is a disappointing time for me but I'm looking forward to the future," Byrne told Newport's official website. 

"I'm not sure what the next chapter holds or even what I want to do, but I am planning on taking some down time over the next few weeks to look at my opportunities - whether that's in rugby or a new career."

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