Forrester forced to end playing career

Gloucester forward James Forrester has been forced to retire after struggling on his return from a knee injury.

The 27-year-old number eight ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in April 2007 and spent 18 months on the sidelines.

He returned to action for the club's A League side this season but has discovered the joint will no longer stand up to the rigours of the game.

Gloucester head coach Dean Ryan told BBC Radio Gloucestershire: "The game's lost an enormous talent, I don't think we really saw how good he could be.

"The lad's worked tremendously hard to try and get back and for any player to call an end to a career at such a premature stage is an incredible thing to deal with."

Forrester, who scored 51 tries in 134 appearances for the club and also won two England caps, added: "I have put everything I have into getting back to fitness.

"I demanded more of myself in this recovery process than I thought possible, but it is simply not going to be and I have been forced to make the hardest decision any player will ever have to make - I had no option.

"Naturally, I am devastated my career has ended in this way. I have poured every ounce of effort into getting back to fitness for more than 16 months, but I now know it's not going to be enough.

"I suffered a setback after the game against Sale and have undergone another operation. That alone means I would be out for another eight months, and it is simply not feasible to continue.

"I have had a wonderful career and have a treasure trove of memories. I have been fortunate to have been involved with Gloucester during one of their most high-profile and successful periods in their history, and I would like to thank everyone involved at the club for making it such a special place - it will always be with me."