Stcherbina forced to quit rugby

Marc Stcherbina was injured during a Heineken Cup match in Toulouse

Dragons centre Marc Stcherbina has been forced to retire following a serious neck injury suffered in December.

The ex-Australia A cap, 32, suffered the blow in the Dragons' 26-7 Heineken Cup loss in Toulouse on 6 December.

In the wake of the injury Stcherbina underwent a successful neck operation in France.

"Obviously this is not how I would have liked my playing career to have ended. But... I am still a long way from the level of recovery needed," he said.

Stcherbina joined the Dragons from Welsh rivals Cardiff Blues in the summer of 2008, after stints with New South Wales Waratahs, Biarritz and Northampton.

"I would like to take this opportunity to once again thank the Dragons for their continued support this season, particularly during these past six months," Stcherbina.

"Every member of staff here together with the players and fans have made me feel welcome since I arrived and have shown overwhelming concern and support since my injury."

Dragons head coach Paul Turner said: "Marc is a quality guy as well as a great player and his loss was a big blow to the side.

"Although it is not unexpected - given the injury - that Marc has had to retire, it is obviously disappointing for him and the Dragons. In his short time at the Dragons he made a huge impact.

"I was very pleased when we were able to secure his services for the season and until his injury he certainly lived up to every expectation.

"Marc has proved through his time in France, England and Wales that he has been one of the top performers European rugby has seen over the last few years and we wish him all the best in his retirement."

Cardiff Blues chief executive Robert Norster said: "Besides being a player capable of mixing it with the very best at the elite end of the game, Marc is a positive character with a great personality who has a skill-set that will undoubtedly ensure a successful career beyond the field of play."