Former Wales international Kristian Dacey has come out of retirement to join Championship side Brecon RFC.
The hooker, who won eight caps for his country, announced he was calling time on his 15-year career in April following his release from Cardiff, having made over 200 appearances for the region.
He confirmed he was retiring in an emotional statement, explaining that he had decided to quit while he is "still able to enjoy running around with my children" after undergoing nine different operations in his career.
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But just weeks after hanging up his boots, Dacey is already back in the game and will represent newly-promoted Brecon in the second tier of Welsh rugby next season.
The 33-year-old is also set to be one of the most versatile players in the squad, with his new club listing his positions as hooker, flanker and inside centre.
He will join up with his brother Gavin at the Mid Wales club and will bring considerable experience to the side having represented Pontypridd and Cardiff, before making his international debut in 2015 and going on to form part of Warren Gatland’s controversial Geography Six on the 2017 Lions tour of New Zealand.
Announcing his initial decision to quit just 10 weeks ago, Dacey said: "To my wife Erin, you have been my biggest supporter and have been up in the stands long before I played my first professional game. I couldn't have gone on this journey without you. Your support and positivity was always at its highest and most important when I was at my lowest. To my boys, Taliesin and Elian, I hope that I have made you proud and I will strive to continue to make you proud.
"I have had nine operations in my career, without the muscle tears, broken bones and bulging discs that have required interventions other than surgery. I have decided to call it a day while I am still able to enjoy running around with my children.
"When I left primary school we had to write down what we wanted to be when we grew up," he added. "I wrote: 'A rugby player who has played for Wales'. Thank you to everyone who has made my childhood dream a reality and thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way. Thanks for the memories."
