Heart issue forces Wales hooker Burns to retire

The Wales and Newport Gwent Dragons hooker Lloyd Burns has had to retire from rugby because of a neck injury and faces the prospect of heart surgery. Medical tests have revealed Burns has damaged his aorta.

The 27-year-old won seven Wales caps. "His enforced retirement has come as a massive shock to Lloyd and his family," said the Dragons director Robert Beale.

The 104-times capped Wales and Scarlets No 10 Stephen Jones has joined troubled club Wasps.