Thursday 14 April 2016 08:10, UK
Bath have announced that captain Stuart Hooper has been forced to retire from the sport immediately on medical advice.
The 34-year-old former Saracens and Leeds man sustained a back injury earlier this season and will call a halt to his fine career after making 232 Premiership appearances.
The second rower joined Bath in 2008, becoming skipper in 2011, and has played 192 times for the west country side.
"I've had an incredible career and these last eight years with Bath are ones I will look back on with great fondness," said Hooper.
"I am sad to have not been able to retire on my own terms. However, when the medical experts are telling you it's time, you have to listen to them.
"I have loved my time at Bath, made some lifelong friends, and worked with some of the most talented people in the sport.
"I'd like to thank all the players, coaches, staff and supporters who have helped make this such an enjoyable period of my life.
"I feel a huge amount of pride to have worn the Bath jersey and to have led this great club over the last five years. It has been an absolute honour."
Bath head coach Mike Ford said: "Hoops has been an incredible asset to this club over the years and a fantastic role model for our squad.
"He has been the very epitome of a professional, a skilful, intelligent player, a very strong communicator and leader, and he has the respect of everyone in the game.
"We are hugely disappointed for Hoops that he has been forced to retire and wasn't able to finish the season but I know he will be doing all he can to assist the squad in any way he can."
