Former Wales international prop Aaron Jarvis has announced his decision to retire from professional rugby.
Popular front row Jarvis, capped 18 times by Wales, moved to Rodney Parade in 2018 and has made a total of 40 appearances for the Men of Gwent.
The 35-year-old – who has also enjoyed successful playing spells with Bath Rugby, Clermont Auvergne and Ospreys - will hang up his boots following the region’s European Challenge Cup fixture with Lyon on Friday evening.
Jarvis has worked closely with the next generation of talent in the Dragons Academy and Dragons Under-18s set-up over the last three seasons, as part of the region’s support of his transition into coaching.
The Exeter-born prop will now take on a full-time coaching role as Assistant Coach at Dallas Jackals in Major League Rugby, moving to North America in the New Year.
Dean Ryan, Director of Dragons Rugby, said: “Aaron has enjoyed an impressive career and we thank him for his contribution and efforts at Dragons.
“We’ve been keen to support Aaron as he makes the move into the next stage of his career, through his coaching work with the Dragons Academy over the last three seasons.
“He leaves with the best wishes of everyone connected to the Dragons and we wish him and his family well with their move to Dallas.”
Jarvis began his professional career at Bath in 2006 before a move to Wales and the Ospreys in 2011, where he won the Celtic League title in 2012.
The prop also had a two-year overseas playing spell in France and was part of the Clermont Auvergne side that won the 2017 Top 14 Championship.
Jarvis made his international debut for Wales in 2012 against Argentina at Principality Stadium and featured in three games at the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
“I’ve got an exciting opportunity to take the next step and now feels like the right time to call an end to my playing career and move to the next stage,” said Jarvis.
“I’ll look back with lots of memories, I’ve made some great friends along the way and won a few things, so there is a sense of pride. I have really enjoyed my time, but just feels right to call it now.
“I have absolutely loved it at Dragons,” he added. “It has been a great environment to be in and there is a lot of young talent coming through, which is a really positive thing for the region.
“The support here has been huge. I know it’s been tough with Covid and getting everybody back into the stadium, but the boys do really appreciate that backing. I look forward to coming back and celebrating some wins together.”
I’ll look back with lots of memories, I’ve made some great friends along the way and won a few things, so there is a sense of pride. I have really enjoyed my time, but just feels right to call it now...
