Former Wales lock Ian Gough to retire at end of season

Former Wales lock Ian Gough has confirmed that he will retire from playing professional rugby at the end of the season.

The Newport Gwent Dragons forward, 38, has enjoyed a distinguished 17-year career at the top level.

Gough won 64 caps for his country and was part of two Grand Slam-winning sides in the Six Nations. His former clubs include Pontypridd, Ospreys and London Irish.

"I have had such a long rugby career and I have been lucky that my body has allowed me to do so in the pro era," he is quoted as saying by BBC Sport. "My career is something that I will look fondly on and I have no regrets through the good times and the bad."

Gough made his Wales debut in 1998 before hanging up his international boots 11 years later.