**Former Welsh Rugby Star Lennon Greggains Recounts Turbulent Exit from the Sport and Calls for Greater Player Support**
Lennon Greggains, a once-promising rugby union player for Dragons RFC, has spoken candidly about the devastating impact of his abrupt departure from professional rugby, describing it as an event that left him fearing for his own life. Now aged 26, Greggains is not only sharing his personal struggles but is also advocating for improved support measures for athletes transitioning away from the sport—a recurring issue within Welsh rugby.
Having joined the Dragons Academy aged 15, Greggains quickly developed from a young hopeful into a rising star. For the former Newport HSOB youth player, the chance to play rugby professionally was the fulfilment of a childhood dream. He secured his first contract at 18 and quickly became a fixture in the Dragons line-up, even representing Wales at multiple youth levels.
However, in the summer of 2019, his fortunes changed drastically. Greggains suffered a severe ACL injury during pre-season training—a setback that would mark the beginning of repeated physical challenges. Subsequent injuries, including a broken forearm and both shoulders, kept him sidelined and cast an ever-present shadow over his career. Despite his determination and resilience, recovery proved tumultuous and his place within the squad grew increasingly uncertain.
Reflecting on this turbulent chapter, Greggains admits that neither he nor his teammates were prepared for the possibility that their rugby journeys could be cut short so suddenly. He explained that a deep-rooted commitment to the sport often leaves players ill-equipped to contemplate life beyond the pitch. “Rugby was more than a job; it was my identity,” he shared. The abrupt end to his career plunged him into a period of severe anxiety and depression, a struggle he describes as both physically and mentally debilitating. Frequent panic attacks and overwhelming dread became part of his daily life—impacting him so profoundly, he believed at times that he was suffering from a chronic illness.
Greggains’ experience is not an isolated one. The lack of structured psychological and vocational support for departing players, he asserts, is a serious shortcoming within Welsh regional rugby. “Players ought to receive more guidance and employment opportunities before news of their release is communicated. Far too often, these life-altering announcements come with little warning, leaving individuals scrambling to figure out their next steps whilst battling insecurity and emotional turmoil,” Greggains pointed out.
He also sought to address common misconceptions regarding the perceived glamour of a rugby career. “If you’re not at the very top, the earnings can be quite modest, especially considering the physical toll and uncertainty you face. The stress is relentless. I would urge aspiring athletes to weigh up the realities—it’s not all glory and stability.” The financial pressures, together with the constant risk of injury and job insecurity, create an environment that, Greggains says, only those who have played professionally can fully appreciate.
For Greggains, the conclusion of his playing days was not only the loss of an occupation, but a shattering of routine, camaraderie, and sense of purpose. With little notice, he found himself grappling with questions he hadn’t considered since his school days. “Being released at 24 felt like starting life over again, except I was years behind my peers. Suddenly, my friends had careers and direction, and I had to rebuild from scratch.”
In the months following his exit, Greggains took on labouring jobs, his confidence at rock bottom. Despite having a passion for coaching and fitness, at first, he lacked the belief to pursue it. Trying different jobs, including a carpentry apprenticeship, only deepened his sense of displacement. But over time, with personal commitment to his mental health and well-being, he began to rediscover his identity and confidence.
Now, Greggains is back playing semi-professional rugby for Merthyr and runs his own personal training business, LG Coaching. He credits a renewed focus on fitness and helping others as key factors in his recovery. Drawing from his own story, he is intent on guiding not just athletes but anyone struggling with abrupt life changes.
His journey has prompted a call to action for Welsh rugby authorities to seriously consider how they can better prepare and protect players who face the abrupt end of their sporting careers. The hope is that his testimony will encourage reflection and, ultimately, reform—ensuring that the emotional and practical needs of future generations are taken seriously, and that no player is left to navigate the aftermath of professional sport alone.
For Lennon Greggains, turning his adversity into a platform for advocacy and support marks the start of a new chapter—one driven by a commitment to create a softer landing for those who, like him, have had their dreams taken away all too soon.