Hipkiss calls it a day

Former England centre Dan Hipkiss has been forced to retire due to a shoulder injury.

The Bath three-quarter, who also enjoyed great success with Leicester before moving to The Rec in 2011, suffered the injury during the Aviva Premiership defeat to Wasps in January, and has been advised to retire having sought medical advice.

"This is obviously a really sad time for me, but the decision has really been taken out of my hands which has made it a little bit easier," said Hipkiss on Bath's official website. "It's not the way anyone wants to leave the game, but when the doctor tells you it's time you have to listen to them."

The 30-year-old featured 13 times for England, winning his first cap against Wales in 2007 and making his final appearance against the same opponents during the 2010 Six Nations.

He added: "Looking back, I've had a great career, and would like to thank Sam Vesty and Lewis Moody, who I've played with for pretty much the whole time I've been in rugby.

"I'd also like to thank Paddy Howard and Darryl Gibson, who have given me a huge amount of support.

"Finally, the biggest thank you goes to my girlfriend and family for putting up with me - it's not always easy, but the support from them throughout my career has been amazing."