Wales: Promising former international Cory Allen retires aged 29 while Johnny Williams’ Scarlets comeback delayed

Adam Kyriacou
Wales centre Cory Allen

Former Wales international centre Cory Allen has announced his retirement from the professional game at the age of 29, he confirmed on Thursday.

The former Cardiff player has been struggling with a knee injury since 2019 and failed to make an appearance for the Dragons since joining in 2021.

Before that Allen had a stint at the Ospreys and his injury-hit career has now come to an unfortunate end for a player who showed plenty of promise.

It wasn’t meant to be

“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,” he told the Dragons‘ website.

“I’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone at the Dragons for the last 18 months.”

Allen’s Cardiff bow came back in 2011 at the age of 18 and he went on to impress for Wales at Sevens and U20 level, with a senior call-up following.

He made his international debut, against Argentina in 2013, but injury problems then blighted his rugby career, with only six caps accrued for Wales.

He was selected in Wales’ 2015 Rugby World Cup squad and claimed a hat-trick of tries in their opening 54-9 pool triumph against Uruguay in Cardiff.

Johnny Williams comeback delayed

In other news from the Welsh regional game, Scarlets centre Johnny Williams has had his comeback from injury delayed so will miss their derby games.

The former London Irish back has been out since October with a calf issue and is expected to be absent for the matches against the Dragons and Cardiff.

“I don’t think he’ll play any part in the derbies, which is what we were hoping for,” Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel told BBC Sport.

On the prospect of Williams possibly returning for their Challenge Cup fixtures with Cheetahs and Bayonne next month, Peel added: “It’s still ongoing.”

“It’s taking longer than we thought. He’s working hard to get back.

“He’s a big player for us. He’s physical in midfield. He’s been great since he’s been here. Unfortunately this injury is dragging on for him.

“Hopefully we’ll get to the bottom of it soon. I’m not sure yet (about Europe).”

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