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Wales Online
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
I had my Welsh rugby career ripped from me and it left me fearing I was going to die
I had my Welsh rugby career ripped from me and it left me fearing I was going to die 'You are so worried about the future, that you can't live in the present' Lennon Greggains played for the Dragons (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency ) Ex-professional rugby player Lennon Greggains says players need more support when being let go from Welsh regions, after his mental health hit an all-time-low when his Dragons RFC career ended aged 25. Greggains, now 26, joined the Dragons Academy at 15, and the prospect of him playing rugby for a living was a dream come true to the once eight-year-old boy who started playing for NHSOB on the weekends growing up. For a while, Greggains was one of former coach Dean Ryan's favourites, signing his first pro contract in 2017 aged 18, and regularly being picked for the squad as he represented Wales in all age groups. Then, disaster struck. In the summer of 2019 he tore his ACL during the pre-season, and from that point on things were never the same. Greggains faced set-back after set-back, injury after injury, taking a nasty blow to the forearm before breaking both of his shoulders in the years following. Lennon Greggains (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd ) Article continues below He says he did not prepare for the end of his career, and neither did any of his peers, because they simply focussed everything they had on the sport from the minute they got given the chance. It was his lifestyle, his identity, his purpose. When it was over, Greggains lost himself. He describes how during the transition his anxiety got so severe, he was experiencing frequent panic attacks and would go to bed at night dreading having to wake up the next morning. "When I say I was in a real bad place, I would dread waking up every day. These feelings started the day I was told I wasn't going to be staying at the Dragons," he said. "Anxiety and depression came straight at me. It was the realisation that everything I ever wanted in my life has come to an end. "I remember having a panic attack in training whilst I was on the bike. "I was suffering so badly with anxiety that I was getting physical symptoms, which led to me believing I had a chronic illness. "From the March I was having constant panic attacks, I couldn't leave Newport, couldn't leave the country. "I didn't understand it at the time but now I can see that it was the impact of losing my contract - spending my entire life trying to pursue one dream, that coming to an end, and having to start again. I had to figure out who I was without rugby, it was like being stripped of my identity. "It took me a while to reach out and get help. For seven months I was waking up depressed, anxious, having physical symptoms every single day, I was in panic that I was going to die. It was mental." Greggains is now advocating for change within the industry, and says players deserve to know their worth and be offered more support, including being given job opportunities before they are let go by their regions. He says this news often comes with little to no warning, and that this is something that needs to change. "Everyone knows the life of a rugby player is short-lived, but you're not thinking of that when you are 15, 16, 17, giving your all to it week in, week out. You want to make it all the way, and you truly believe that you will," he explained. "I was part of the Dragons Academy at Newport High before getting my pro contract, and even though there are academic commitments, it is a 'do it if you want' mentality. Lennon Greggains is highly thought of (Image: Gareth Everett/Huw Evans Agency ) "I always had hope things would change for me, injury-wise, even though deep down I knew they wouldn't. "The thing is, being a rugby player isn't glamorous. I've heard people who have never been rugby players, saying 'what's there to moan about, get a real job' but unless you're someone earning stupid money, it is not the lifestyle people think it is. "Yes ok, the hours are good, but a lot of players are definitely not earning the money people think they are, and you are breaking your body in process. "There are also not many other jobs where you are worrying about whether you'll be employed in a few months time. It is such a stressful and anxious environment, that you don't understand unless you've been in it. "You are so worried about the future, that you can't live in the present." Lennon Greggains, left, with Cerith Lloyd, right, after a game for Merthyr. For many players like Greggains, the initial thrill of being seen as a talented up-and-coming youngster soon wears off, especially after so many injuries, which are inevitable in the sport. As much as players need the talent and ambition, they also need luck. "The reality is, money in Welsh rugby is getting worse, and so the amount of players you see earning good money is getting lower and lower. "Kids, like myself who have aspirations to become a professional rugby player, unless you're going to be at the top of your game, have to really think if it's worth it. The game is not what it used to be. "You see these academy kids now, who stay with their regions until they're 22, earning little to no money before being told there's no future there for them. Then they're 22 with no experience to get a job. "That's what I had to go through. At 24 - I had to go through what most people do when they are 16, or 18. Because of rugby, you are left to feel eight or so years behind everyone else. "It really hit me at the time - it was tough. "Before Dragons told me I wasn't going to be re-signed, I knew myself I wanted to move onto the next chapter. I felt defeated from the constant injuries. "I was ready to move, but when the coaches actually said the words, reality set in. I remember thinking, 'what next?' "I didn't have any direction, or any vision, of what I wanted to go into. All my dreams and ambitions had been taken away. "I had to find something that was going to work for me, and I struggled with that the most. "You do see some rugby players who know what they want when their chapter ends, but you see even more who are so focused on being the best player they can be in that environment, that they're not thinking about what's coming next. "The not knowing was scary, I didn't know what to do. You aren't told 12 months in advance, or even eight months. You don't have an awful lot of time to make a decision. I can't imagine what it's like for players who have a family to provide for. "You aren't only worried about money, your entire lifestyle is getting taken from you. Your regimented routine, seeing the same people you've grown up seeing every day since you were 15. It's a lot. "You're conditioned for that lifestyle, the boys you've grown up with are your family, and at the end of the day whether people understand it or not, being told 'that's it, you are done, go fend for yourself' is a really hard thing to take, especially in your mid 20s. "At that age, your non-rugby mates are on their own journey, they've found the job they like, progressing in that job, but you are back to square one. Greggains worked as a labourer alongside his teammate Benjamin Fry. He took this role as his confidence was at an all-time low, and he didn't believe he could do what he truly wanted to, which was to become a personal trainer. Lennon and Ben Fry "By the time I left the Dragons, I was a complete shadow of the person I was when I was 20. Between the ages of 20 and 24, I lost myself completely. "When rugby was taken away from me, and I had to go find a job. Even though I always knew I'd love to be a coach, I didn't have the confidence to do it. "So now I've left the dragons, taken on a carpentry apprenticeship and from the minute I walked through the door I knew it wasn't for me. "I've gone from being a professional rugby player with aspirations of representing my country, to sweeping someone's work bench and cleaning skips. "I genuinely believed this was what I'd be doing for the rest of my life. "Now I am out the other side, I am glad it happened to me in the way it did." Lennon competing in the Cardiff Hyrox 2025 with his friend and client. Greggains managed to better his mental health through his devotion to fitness and focussing on himself. This led him to the path that he is on today. Article continues below He now plays semi-professional rugby for Merthyr, alongside running his own personal training business, LG Coaching - a job he loves - using his own experiences to help people, and other aspiring young rugby players. You can find Lennon on Facebook and Instagram, @LG Coaching.
Wales Online
2 days ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
"Cymru am Byth" - discover the beating heart of Welsh rugby as the Autumn Nations Series returns to Cardiff's Principality Stadium this November
There's nothing quite like the buzz of excitement in Cardiff on a match day. This November, the passion, pride and powerful action of the Autumn Nations Series is set to return to Principality Stadium, giving fans a chance to be part of something truly unforgettable as Wales face Argentina, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa in what promises to be a blockbuster month of international rugby. Whether you're part of a local rugby club or hold a season ticket with Cardiff Rugby, Dragons RFC, Ospreys or Scarlets, you take more than just pride in the jersey - you'll also benefit from priority access to some of the best seats in the stadium before public sale opens on Tuesday, June 17. Better still, you can also enjoy access to specially priced tickets - making it easier to bring the whole team, family or friendship group along for the ride. It's the perfect opportunity to rally your club or supporters' group and enjoy the season together. Public sale tickets for the fixtures can be found at and start from just £13.50 for under 18s and students, and £27 for adults. Tickets have been thoughtfully priced to make the Welsh rugby international experience more accessible for everyone. Attending a match in Cardiff is about so much more than just 80 minutes on the pitch. It's a memorable, whole day experience in one of Europe's most vibrant capital cities. Arrive early and soak up the incredible atmosphere as the streets of Cardiff buzz with energy and ecstatic fans. You can even enjoy live music and a tempting array of food stalls before the game, in a truly incredible venue. For fans seeking something extra special, hospitality packages are also available, including gourmet dining, executive lounges and premium seating that boasts stunning views - perfect for those on a mission to create unforgettable memories your group will cherish for a lifetime. Families are also well catered for at the venue, with family-friendly alcohol-free zones, half-price tickets for under 18s and entertainment that makes it easy for younger fans to get involved in the joy of rugby. Fixtures Sunday, November 9: Wales v Argentina Saturday, November 15: Wales v Japan Saturday, November 22: Wales v New Zealand Saturday, November 29: Wales v South Africa These aren't just international matches; they're historic battles between some of rugby's biggest teams. From the brute force of the Pumas and the electric speed of Japan to the legendary might of the All Blacks and reigning world champion Springboks, it's a true test of grit, glory and Welsh determination. Dewi Lake, who captains Wales in Japan this summer, said: "Cardiff comes alive on match day and Principality Stadium is awesome - it's been talked about and discussed for years as the best stadium on earth. "The fans create an electric atmosphere. There's no better place to play and we can't wait to experience that this November." If you're a club member or a regional season ticket holder, contact your local rugby club or pro club before June 17 to unlock your priority access and take advantage of exclusive discounted prices*. If you're not a member, pop into your local club anyway - they'll be pleased to see you regardless, and you can sign you up as you get your tickets. This November, make Principality Stadium your destination for rugby. Experience the roar, the pride and the unforgettable moments that Welsh rugby can deliver. Tickets go on general sale from Tuesday, June 17, and with fixtures this big, they're sure to sell out fast. Hospitality packages are on sale now. Home is where the Calon is. Cymru am Byth. *Priority window ends 23:59pm on June 16. To find out more, visit the Principality Stadium website.
South Wales Argus
21-05-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Nick Thomas wins fitness race for World Rugby U20 Championships
The 19-year-old, who made his senior debut for the Rodney Parade club last December, had an operation after injuring his left ankle against France in the Six Nations. Thomas is on course to return in the summer championships in Italy when Wales go up against France, Argentina and Spain in the group stages. Head coach Richard Whiffin has named a 45-strong training squad and 11 Dragons are included. INFLUENTIAL: Harry Beddall on the charge for Wales against England (Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency) Flanker Harry Beddall, a summer signing from Leicester, is named along with Thomas, props Owain James and George Tuckley, back rowers Ryan Jones, Evan Minto and Cerrig Smith, scrum-half Logan Franklin, fly-half Harri Ford and wings Harry Rees-Weldon and Ioan Duggan. Beddall, Thomas, James, Minto, Franklin, Ford and Rees-Weldon all featured in the Six Nations. The youngsters will get the chance to impress when Wales take on England at Pontypool Park on Friday, June 6 with a meeting with Italy at Cardiff Arms Park seven days later. The official 30-player squad to travel to Italy for the Championship, which runs from June 29 to July 19, will be announced between the two warm-up fixtures. Whiffin said: 'This 45-man training squad is a mixture of guys that did really well during the Six Nations for us and then the U18s and U19s had a really good block post-Six Nations. 'The U18s went and won all three games out in Vichy and there's a number of those guys that stepped up. 'You also have the culmination of Super Rygbi Cymru – there are boys that have been putting their hand up in the last few weeks in that competition. 'It gives us an opportunity to put a bit of pressure on the guys that had the jersey in the Six Nations and also prepare for what guys might step up next year.' Wales training squad for 2025 World Rugby U20 Championship Forwards (25) Dylan Alford (Scarlets /RGC) Harry Beddall (Dragons RFC) Jake Bowen (Scarlets) Tom Cottle (RGC) Ioan Emanuel (Bath Rugby) Keanu Evans (Scarlets) Luke Evans (Exeter Chiefs) Will Evans (Scarlets) Dan Gemine (Ospreys) Deian Gwynne (Gloucester Rugby) Saul Hurley (Aberavon) Caio James (Gloucester Rugby) Owain James (Dragons RFC) Kenzie Jenkins (Bristol Bears) Ryan Jones (Dragons RFC) Evan Minto (Dragons RFC) Jac Pritchard (Scarlets) Sam Scott (Bristol Bears) Cerrig Smith (Dragons RFC) Harry Thomas (Scarlets) Nick Thomas (Dragons RFC) Louie Trevett (Bristol Bears) George Tuckley (Dragons RFC) Cameron Tyler-Grocott (Cardiff Rugby) Evan Wood (Pontypool / Cardiff Met) Backs (20) Aidan Boshoff (Bristol Bears) Tom Bowen (Cardiff Rugby) Rhys Cummings (Cardiff Rugby) Osian Darwin-Lewis (Cardiff Rugby) Sion Davies (Cardiff Rugby) Ioan Duggan (Dragons RFC) Lewis Edwards (Ospreys) Steff Emanuel (Cardiff Rugby) Elijah Evans (Cardiff Rugby) Harri Ford (Dragons RFC) Logan Franklin (Dragons RFC) Carwyn Leggatt-Jones (Scarlets) Ellis Lewis (Neath) Lloyd Lucas (Cardiff Rugby) Elis Price (Scarlets) Harry Rees-Weldon (Dragons RFC) Osian Roberts (Sale Sharks) Dylan Scott (Cardiff MET) Harri Wilde (Cardiff Rugby) Jack Woods (Bath Rugby)
BBC News
23-04-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Prop pair sign new deals at Dragons
Wales prop Rhodri Jones and up-and-coming loosehead Dylan Kelleher-Griffiths have signed new Dragons who has 24 caps for his country, arrived at Rodney Parade from Ospreys on a "long-term" deal before the 2022-23 season, with Dragons saying the 33-year-old has agreed an extension to that previous 21, has signed his first senior contract with the Welsh region having made his debut on New Year's Day."It is great that Rhodri has decided to continue playing for Dragons RFC," said forwards coach Sam Hobbs. "As a Welsh international he brings crucial experience to a young forward pack and has made a big impact in his first couple of seasons here with his work-rate and set-piece experience before being unlucky with injury."We look forward to him finishing this season well and kicking on next season competing with an exciting group of front rowers."Jones suffered a long-term injury in October 2024 that sidelined him until the new year, but the versatile prop - who can play either side of the scrum - returned to impress in the Dragons' front Wales Under-20 player Kelleher-Griffiths is a converted back row, having made the switch under the guidance of Hobbs."Dylan's had a really good couple of years," said Hobbs."He converted to loosehead about four years ago and his journey from number eight to prop over a short space of time has been really quite impressive."Dylan's strength is his toughness, his edge and his coachability, he wants to improve every session."
