DRAGONS legend Nic Cudd has retired after a last hurrah in the Premiership with Carmarthen Quins.

The 33-year-old announced after Sunday’s defeat to Newport RFC that he was hanging up his boots.

Tough flanker Cudd established himself as a breakdown menace over eight years with the Dragons.

The open side was playing for Llanelli when he was invited by forwards coach Rob Appleyard for a trial in 2012 because of an injury crisis.

He swiftly earned a long term deal and went on to put his body on the line 130 times for the Dragons.

South Wales Argus: COMMITMENT: Nic Cudd put his body on the line for the DragonsCOMMITMENT: Nic Cudd put his body on the line for the Dragons

Adored by teammates and a pain to opponents, quiet man Cudd was a firm fixture in the side despite the region’s back row riches.

In February 2019, when Project Reset was delaying contract negotiations, he ruptured knee ligaments for the third time.

The Dragons gave him a one-year deal to continue his rehabilitation but he was released by the Dragons during the first coronavirus lockdown.

Cudd signed for Carmarthen Quins and made 11 appearances to finish a fantastic career on his own terms.

“The Dragons chance came up and it was great. I just wanted to do all that I could to be a professional rugby player and take that opportunity,” said Cudd in an interview with the Argus two years ago.

“The more games that I played the more I improved and got comfortable in the environment. I am just thankful that I was there for so many years.

“Rugby is a funny career, players come and go. I have seen that over my eight years at the Dragons.

“There are boys who have come in and done well one year but then the next it hasn't worked out and you never see them again.

“That's why I am thankful it lasted so long, even though it was unfortunate the way it ended. I don't have any regrets.”