Harlequins centre Stuart Abbott has announced his retirement due to a shoulder injury.

The former England international, who played for his country in the 2003 World Cup-winning campaign, suffered the injury near the end of last season.

The 29-year-old had an operation and despite rehabilitation with Harlequins' medical staff, he has been forced to retire from the game.

Quins director of rugby Dean Richards told the club's website: "I'm very sorry to see Stuart go and I would like to wish him all the best with his future plans.

"It is very upsetting to see a player of Stuart's calibre forced to retire early because of injury.

"Stuart was an outstanding all-round footballer, who was great in defence and attack. He will be missed at Quins."

Abbott had previously played for Wasps before joining Quins in 2006, when injuries began to blight his career,

A Premiership winner with Wasps in 2003 and 2004 and the Heineken Cup in 2004, he was awarded an MBE after his participation in England's World Cup win.

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