Wales and Dragons flanker Ollie Griffiths has been forced into retirement, calling time on his rugby career at the age of 29 as he suffers from Langerhans cell histiocytosis
Wales and Dragons flanker Ollie Griffiths has retired from professional rugby aged 29 as a result of a rare health condition.
In October the back row confirmed he was suffering from Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) after being diagnosed with a tumour on his spine. Griffiths said his treatment is “progressing well” but admitted that complications have led to “nerve issues” that has forced him call time on his rugby career.
Griffiths made 105 appearances for Dragons and played once for Wales – that cap coming against Tonga in Auckland in June 2017. He also represented Wales in an uncapped match against the Barbarians in November 2019 in Cardiff.
The flanker’s last outing came for Dragons against Sharks in the Challenge Cup in January 2024. He said upon confirming his retirement: “It’s with a mix of emotions that I announce my retirement from professional rugby after over a decade of playing for Dragons RFC.
“In early 2024, I was diagnosed with Langerhans cell histiocytosis. Although my treatment has been progressing well, and I remain optimistic about the outcome, complications have led to nerve issues that prevent me from returning to the field.
“My rugby career has had its share of injuries and setbacks, and for a long time I thought the break I was waiting for might finally come. But looking back, I realise that these challenges helped me build resilience – something that’s helped me deal with these last few difficult months.”
LCH is a disorder that can damage tissue or cause lesions to form in one or more places in the body. Histiocytes are types of white blood cells which help fight infection. In LCH, histiocytes grow more than usual and can gather in bones, skin, lymph nodes, lungs, bone marrow or the pituitary gland. This can cause problems such as pain in the bone, skin rash, swollen tummy, or breathing difficulties.
Griffiths added: “This isn’t the ending I had imagined, but it’s a powerful reminder of how unpredictable life can be. Though I didn’t accomplish every goal I set, I poured everything I had into every game, every training session, and every opportunity.
“That’s why I can walk away from my career with pride and peace, knowing I have no regrets. The only thing you truly have control over is your effort and attitude – not the outcomes.”
The Welshman also said: “I believe everything happens for a reason, and this diagnosis has given me a new perspective on what really matters: my health. Rather than feeling disappointed about how my career has ended, I feel incredibly fortunate and grateful for the perspective this experience has given me.”
