Otley-born Mike Tindall announces retirement from rugby

Mike Tindall has announced his retirement from professional rugby. The 35-year-old, who helped England win the World Cup in 2003, has decided to hang up his boots after almost two decades in the game with Bath and Gloucester.

He went on to say: "Thank you to everyone who has supported me through my career!"

Tindall admitted he will not seek an immediate switch to full-time coaching after retiring from professional rugby.

Tindall admitted rugby director Nigel Davies' sacking at the end of last season left his chances of a new contract at Kingsholm limited. In an interview he said:

The Otley-born centre racked up 75 caps for England including helping Sir Clive Woodward's side to the 2003 World Cup triumph.

Tindall has now become the final member of that 2003 World Cup squad to confirm his retirement from rugby.

Former Bath and Gloucester team-mate Iain Balshaw retired earlier this summer, with Jonny Wilkinson also closing out his career with a Heineken Cup-French Top 14 double at Toulon.

Tindall was pivotal to England's Grand Slam victory in 2003, but later found himself in hot water in a wretched 2011 World Cup campaign in New Zealand.

England's disappointing performance in 2011 led to coach Martin Johnson's exit and the end of Tindall's international career, after he was resoundingly criticised for a night out during the tournament.

Tindall said he will now seek media work rather than chase a full-time coaching role.