A former Welsh international has become embroiled in a war of words with Newport Gwent Dragons over claims the regional side cancelled his insurance policy without notification.
Andrew Coombs, 32, retired from rugby in June 2016 after struggling to recover from a knee injury, and recently took up a coaching position with Nelson RFC.
The former back-row forward, who was capped ten times by Wales, has said he is “disgusted and devastated” to find out that his policy is no longer valid, and claims he has been left facing “thousands of pounds of medical bills to receive essential care not available on the NHS in an attempt to improve my severely impaired knee.”
Coombs made 86 appearances for the Dragons between 2010 and 2016, having captained Newport RFC until 2010, when he was also named Premiership Player of the Year.
He injured his left knee in the Dragons’ 25-21 European Challenge Cup victory over Cardiff Blues in April 2015, and underwent seven surgeries in an attempt to recover.
Dragons Chief Executive, Stuart Davies said:
“We were disappointed that Andrew Coombs feels aggrieved that he no longer has the benefit of medical insurance after the termination of his employment.
“No assurances were given to Andrew about a transfer of his medical insurance either prior to or after his retirement.
However, I would point out that significant financial support over and above our contractual obligations was extended to Andrew before he left our employment, in deference to his standing within and long service at the Region. Like all professional rugby organisations, we also fund the cost of premiums to provide financial support for players who suffer a career-ending injury, to ensure our players are looked after financially in the immediate aftermath of retirement in such circumstances.
“In addition, we extended to Andrew at the time he retired, the offer of full and ongoing access to our medical staff and facilities in respect of his continued rehabilitation. This offer remains in place and we will continue to offer whatever support can reasonably be provided.
“We feel that we have acted both professionally and reasonably in our dealings with Andrew, in terms of providing him with every opportunity to return to the team before he retired, and in relation to our ongoing offer of support after his retirement.”
Responding, Coombs added: “Unfortunately, due to legal reasons, I am unable to respond to the majority of the statement made by Stuart Davies.
“I am able to say that I was assured by members of the Newport Gwent Dragons management team that the policy would not be cancelled without the opportunity to take over and finance the policy myself.
“The question is how, why and who let this happen?”