CORY Allen has retired from professional rugby after spending a year and a half on the comeback trail with the Dragons without success.

The former Wales centre was signed by the Rodney Parade club in the summer of 2021 to continue his rehabilitation from a serious knee injury.

The 29-year-old suffered the blow playing for the Ospreys in September 2019 but was unable to make a return to action at any level.

Allen has paid tribute to the Dragons for helping him walk pain-free after years of rehabilitation.

“I like to say a massive thank everyone at the Dragons for the last 18 months,” said the six-times capped international.

“Firstly, to the management for showing the amount of faith and trust in me that they did and giving me every opportunity to get back to playing is something I will forever be immensely grateful for.

South Wales Argus: Former Wales centre Cory AllenFormer Wales centre Cory Allen

“Secondly, the players for making it such an enjoyable place to come to work. There was obviously a lot of really low points during the setbacks but having such an enjoyable place to come to work really made such a massive difference.

“Lastly, the physio department and, in particular, [former head of physiotherapy and medical services] Ben Stirling.

"The number of hours he invested in me on the physio bed, in the gym and travelling all over the UK to see specialists.

“He truly went above and beyond to get me to where I am today, to a place where I can walk again pain free something I really wasn’t sure I’d ever be able to do again. I can’t thank him enough for that.

“I really would have loved to have thanked everyone by being able to run out and represent the club on the field, but unfortunately that wasn’t meant to be.”

Previous Dragons boss Dean Ryan admitted the move for Allen was a risk, even though the contract was structured to reflect the centre’s situation.

It still proved to be a financial gamble that failed to pay off at a time when every penny matters in Welsh professional club rugby.

The Dragons released stalwart Adam Warren last summer and brought in centres Sio Tomkinson and Max Clark to join Jack Dixon and Aneurin Owen as midfield options, then added Steff Hughes in September.

He initially joined as injury cover on a short-term deal but will be with the club until the end of the season, with a longer contract likely once Welsh club rugby’s recruitment freeze is ended.

Dragons head coach Dai Flanagan said: “I’ve known Cory for many years, and he’s been a fantastic rugby player.

"He’s worked hard to return to full fitness and so we’re all disappointed that he’s now had to make this decision.

"Cory has always been a popular member of the squad and although he has not featured for us, he’s played a full role here, helping develop young players and passing on his experience and knowledge.

“He has definitely been an asset for the Dragons over the time he has been here because of the work he has done around the place and how he helped develop some of the youngsters.”