Rugby: Ex-England captain Pat Sanderson retires after injury fails to heal

The 33-year-old suffered the injury during the Championship play-off clash with Bristol in March and has had to give up the fight to regain full fitness, just a matter of weeks before the Warriors make their return to the Aviva Premiership after securing promotion.

"I don't feel ready to retire so this is clearly a sad time for me as I feel I have more to give," said Sanderson.

"It is something that is still sinking in and it will take time for me to get used to the fact I won't be playing a game that has given me so much and has been so much more than just a job over the last two decades.

"I have to look back at my career and look at all the wonderful memories. How privileged I have been to play the sport for so long and for some fantastic rugby clubs.

"I want to say thank you to all the people that have helped me along the way, in particular Worcester Warriors and all the fans for their support, and the staff and players I have worked with. Ultimately this is where my rugby heart will remain.

"I will miss the environment and miss playing rugby, but I plan to keep a close relationship with Warriors."

Sanderson played 16 Tests for England, making his debut in the first Test against New Zealand on the "Tour from hell" in 1998.

He captained the side on the 2006 tour to Australia during Andy Robinson's tenure as head coach.

On the club front he also represented Sale and Harlequins before moving to Worcester in 2004 and leading the team for six seasons, going on to make 156 appearances and passing his 200th Premiership career appearance during the 2009-10 season.