A WARRIOR, a grafter, a leader and a true man of Gwent.

That was the tribute to Lloyd Burns from his close friend and former coach Greg Woods after the hooker retired yesterday because of injury.

The 27-year-old Newport Gwent Dragons and Wales front row forward was forced to hang up his boots because of a neck problem and he faces the prospect of heart surgery.

It brings to an end a remarkable story that saw Burns go from being a bricklayer plying his trade for Cross Keys in the Premiership to being on Wales' bench in their World Cup semi-final against France last year.

“He got to where he did through pure hard work,” said Cross Keys head coach Woods, who made the phone call in 2007 to lure Burns to Pandy Park from Pontypool, where he had just made the change from back row forward to hooker.

“Burner was knocked back so many times but he just kept dusting himself off and coming back again.

“There was a real hardness about him and an ability to keep going; to keep smashing opponents in tackles of carrying the ball strongly.

“I watched some games when it seemed that he was the only player on the pitch. He didn't say a lot as our captain but he was a real leader through his actions.

“He had a natural rugby ability that was second to none and once he learned to be a professional there was no stopping him.”

After starring for Keys for three seasons, Pontnewynydd's Burns eventually made his big Dragons breakthrough in 2010.

He went on to make 38 appearances for the Rodney Parade region and Woods believes that Gwent has lost a talisman.

“It's so sad to that he has had to retire in his prime and it's such a loss to Gwent rugby because he really represented the region,” he said.

“People talk about the Dragons' identity and they have 'Men of Gwent' on the back of their jerseys – well, Burner was a true man of Gwent.

“The Dragons could have built their side around him. He represented people in Cross Keys, Pontypool and throughout the region and he was one of them.

“Burner has the common touch that some of the boys that come through the academy system don't. Professional rugby has made players like footballers but Burner was a throwback, he was one of the lads.

“He'd go from playing for Wales one week to watching Cross Keys on the terrace the next. He is a top bloke and that's why so many people were so happy that he went to the World Cup.”

Seven-times capped Burns is expecting a child with his wife Rachael, who he married the day before making his Wales debut against the Barbarians last June.

With good health the priority, Woods believes his friend can have no regrets about a terrific career.

“Burner probably can't see it now because he is frustrated, hurting and angry but he has lived the dream,” he said.

“He has gone from playing for Cross Keys one year to representing Wales in the World Cup the next. He has done this club proud but more importantly himself and his family proud.”