Wales international Kristian Dacey has announcemed he is retiring from rugby.
The hooker has called time on his career after being released by Cardiff Rugby. He decided to quit while he is "still able to enjoy running around with my children".
He was a member of Warren Gatland’s controversial Geography Six on the 2017 Lions tour of New Zealand, won eight Wales caps and made 201 appearances for Cardiff in a 15-year career.
SIGN UP: Get the latest Welsh rugby breaking news and interviews via our free daily newsletter
Last month, Dacey spoke candidly about his frustration at the current uncertainty surrounding Welsh rugby players as he waited to see if he would be offered a new contract amid financial cuts. At the time he hoped to stay at Cardiff and continue his career but he has now decided to quit.
In a statement he said: "To my wife Erin, you have been my biggest supporter and have been up in the stands long before I played my first professional game. I couldn't have gone on this journey without you. Your support and positivity was always at its highest and most important when I was at my lowest and, for that, I will be forever grateful.
"To my boys, Taliesin and Elian, I hope that I have made you proud and I will strive to continue to make you proud.
"I have had nine operations in my career, without the muscle tears, broken bones and bulging discs that have required interventions other than surgery. I have decided to call it a day while I am still able to enjoy running around with my children.
"When I left primary school we had to write down what we wanted to be when we grew up. I wrote: 'A rugby player who has played for Wales'. Thank you to everyone who has made my childhood dream a reality and thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way. Thanks for the memories."
Read more:
Tonight's rugby headlines as Wales star banned and Lions scrum-half retires
Young Wales international follows big brother in leaving English Premiership club
Welsh Varsity 2023 live updates, results and schedule as Cardiff and Swansea universities face off
Today's rugby news as Wales duo ready for farewells and Scarlets get European boost
What Warren Gatland's World Cup training squad is expected to look like next week
