Tuesday 8 September 2015 18:08, UK
Former England international Andy Goode has decided to retire from professional rugby after failing to recover from surgery on injuries.
Goode, who made 199 appearances for Leicester Tigers over two spells at Welford Road, joined London Irish from Wasps earlier this summer.
However, following consultations with medical staff, Goode has decided to call time on his 17-year playing career which also encompassed periods with Saracens, Brive and Worcester.
Goode, 35, is one of the all-time leading goal kickers in the Premiership, with 2,147 points to his name, making him the second highest points scorer in the history of the competition behind Charlie Hodgson.
In a statement to Sky Sports, Goode said: "Today is the day that every professional rugby player dreads. It's with a heavy heart that I have to announce my retirement from rugby.
"After 17 years of playing the game I love, my mind is willing, my body, after two operations in the summer unfortunately isn't. Rugby has been unbelievable to me over my career and I've enjoyed some incredible highs and always tried to play, train, talk and live it with a smile on my face.
"I've been fortunate to play in some brilliant teams for some amazing clubs. To represent England 17 times is such an honour and something I'll look back on with pride. My 10 years at Leicester - winning the Premiership five times, the Heineken Cup twice and the Anglo Welsh Cup - were more than I could ever have wished for.
We've had wins and loses, laughter, stories and beers along the way and these are the things I'll remember with a smile!
"My spell at Saracens was enjoyable and the experiences of playing abroad, in France for Brive and in South Africa for the Sharks, were opportunities I feel privileged to have had.
"My time at Worcester and the support from the fans was great and to finish off with two memorable seasons with Wasps, helping the club return to the Champions Cup, being part of the move to my hometown of Coventry, playing at the Ricoh Arena, breaking the individual points record on my home debut and finishing with the Golden Boot, are memories that will stay with me forever.
"I'm really disappointed I can't continue my career at London Irish and I have really enjoyed my short period with them and I wish them every success in the future under their new coaches and leadership.
"A massive thank you must go to my Mum, Dad, Ella-Grace and Carolin who have supported me and been on the journey with me at literally every game I've played. I couldn't have done it without you.
"I can honestly say I've loved playing for every team and feel immensely proud to have achieved what I have at each club. It's been an honour to pull on my jersey week in week out with some characters that will be mates for life. We've had wins and loses, laughter, stories and beers along the way and these are the things I'll remember with a smile!
"Now it's time to thank the players, coaches, my agent Duncan Sandlant at Esportif International, the staff and supporters who have played a part in my career, big or small, at Leicester, Saracens, Brive, the Sharks, Worcester, Wasps, London Irish and England.
"I can look back at it all with great pride, a smile and maybe a Corona!"
