Ospreys centre Ben John will take a year off from the game to recover from a series of head injuries.
The 26-year-old has suffered three incidents since the start of 2017, the latest of which came on Boxing Day when he sustained an injury following an aerial collision.
He has not played since and after taking medical advice has opted to take a 12-month sabbatical, despite only being ruled out by doctors for the rest of the season.
John, who made his Ospreys debut in 2010, said: ‘I’ve spent a lot of time on the sidelines over the last year, dealing with the effects of head injuries, and it has made me think longer term than just the next match or the next month.
‘When you find yourself in that position it does make you think long and hard about your future.
‘While the specialist opinion is that I’ll be ready to play after a six-month break, I’ve decided it’s in my best interests to take a year out and use that time wisely.
The support I’ve had from everybody at the Ospreys has been fantastic, not just over the last year or so while I’ve been dealing with these issues but for the last 10 years, having come through the age-grade system here.’
Ospreys’ general manager Dan Griffiths added: ‘The last year or so has been very difficult for Ben but he has dealt with it very maturely and, by taking an extended break, is giving himself time to not only look at future options but to ensure he is fully refreshed and in the best possible health for 2019 and beyond.
‘We look forward to seeing him back in action soon.’
The former Ysgol Gyfun Gwyr pupil’s early rugby days were spent at Loughor RFC. He then represented his home region at age-grade level before graduating to the Principality Premiership with Aberavon, scoring eight tries in 60 matches for the Wizards.
Capped at all Wales age-grade levels, he went to the 2010 Junior World Championships in Argentina, just months after making his Ospreys debut in an LV= Cup win over Leeds Carnegie at the Liberty Stadium. He has made 79 regional appearances, scoring 15 tries.