Tuesday 26 February 2019 15:21, UK
Former England international centre Mathew Tait has announced his retirement from rugby.
In a statement released by his club Leicester Tigers, 33-year-old Tait said the decision was taken on medical advice due to an Achilles injury.
Tait won 38 caps and started the 2007 World Cup final, when England were beaten by South Africa in Paris.
He made his England debut as an 18-year-old and spent eight seasons with Leicester following stints at Newcastle and Sale Sharks.
Tait said: "It isn't how I planned to finish up, but ultimately this ongoing problem with my Achilles has caught up on me and, on the advice of people much more in the know than me, it's the right time to call it quits.
"I have been so fortunate to achieve many things in the game, and it's hard to pinpoint one highlight, let alone a few, but obviously being able to win the Premiership with Tigers stands out, as well representing my country and, of course, playing in a World Cup final."
Tait played Test rugby between 2005 and 2010, and he was also top try-scorer in the 2006 Commonwealth Games rugby sevens tournament, helping England win a silver medal.
Leicester head coach Geordan Murphy added: "Mat has been among the leading players of his generation since making his breakthrough as a teenager at Newcastle.
"In the past few seasons, we have been able to use him at centre and full-back. It says a lot for his knowledge and his quality as a player that he has been able to absorb the detail of different roles and has always been willing to play wherever he has been needed in the team.
"As a senior player, he has been influential here on and off the field and has given great service to the club. He will always be welcome at Welford Road, and we wish him and his family all the very best for the future."
