Bath Rugby have been left stunned by the shock retirement of centre Dan Hipkiss through injury.
The former England international arrived at The Rec in 2011 but has not played since damaging his shoulder in the Amlin Cup pool victory over Bucharest Wolves in January.
Hipkiss signed a new contract at the club in March but, having sought the advice of medical professionals, he has been left with no option but to hang up his boots with immediate effect.
Today's announcement brings to an end an impressive club and international career. He spent a decade with Leicester Tigers before joining Bath and won 13 England caps, including in the 2007 World Cup final.
"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, who turns 31 next month.
"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.
"I've loved my time at Bath, and was really looking forward to another year here. The club have made some great signings.
"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."
A strong and powerful runner who could break through defences, as well as presenting opposing players with a brick wall when defending, Hipkiss' experience will be missed in Bath's midfield.
Gary Gold said the news was a blow to the whole squad, with the Bath head coach having wanted Hipkiss to help blood in the club's new recruits this summer.
"Dan is a great character to have around the squad, and the knowledge of and enthusiasm for the game that he has is something we will really miss around the place," said Gold.
"He'd just signed a new contract to stay on with the club and we were looking forward to him helping us develop some of the younger talent that we have coming into the squad.
"It's never nice when one of your players is forced into making this decision but we wish Dan all the very best with whatever he does next."
