Forrester forced to retire

Gloucester have suffered a huge blow on the eve of their Heineken Cup campaign with England forward James Forrester being forced to retire from rugby.

Gloucester have suffered a huge blow on the eve of their Heineken Cup campaign with England forward James Forrester being forced to retire from rugby.

The 27-year-old, who won caps against Wales and Samoa in 2005, has accepted medical advice following an 18-month battle against serious knee trouble.

Forrester, an outstanding back-row forward who scored 51 tries in 134 Gloucester appearances, was hurt during a Guinness Premiership game against Bristol at Ashton Gate.

He missed the whole of last season, then attempted a comeback in a second team match earlier this term, but his top-flight career is now over.

“James will be sorely missed,” said Gloucester Head Coach Dean Ryan.

“He was part of a group of people who helped evolve the style of rugby we are playing now.

“His interpretation of the game was remarkable – he could turn matches.

“Hopefully, there will come a point when we can remember him for the player he was, but at the moment, I just feel desperately sorry for him.

“I can't imagine how disappointed he must feel in having to call time on his career at such a premature stage.”