[{"text_idx": "#000011", "text": "Alex Jeffries to retire from rugby"}, {"text_idx": "#000013", "text": "Scarlets prop Alex Jeffries has been forced to retire from rugby at the age of 27 because of injury."}, {"text_idx": "#000014", "text": "Jeffries suffered a neck issue playing for Llanelli RFC earlier this season and following medical advice is to hang up his playing boots."}, {"text_idx": "#000015", "text": "Jeffries joined the Scarlets ahead of the 2019-20 season following spells with Newport RFC, Dragons and Ospreys. He also played on loan at Saracens during his time at Parc y Scarlets."}, {"text_idx": "#000016", "text": "A Wales U18s and U20s cap, he made six Scarlets appearances, scoring a memorable try during a Rainbow Cup derby victory over the Ospreys two years ago."}, {"text_idx": "#000017", "text": "He said: \u201cAs a rugby player it is tough to come to terms with having to retire, but I have a young family and, obviously, health has to come first."}, {"text_idx": "#000019", "text": "Scarlets General Manager of Rugby Jon Daniels said: \u201cIt is always tough for a player to have his career cut short by injury. We wish Alex the very best with what comes next and thank him for his commitment to the Scarlets over the last four years.\u201d"}]