Leicester's Miles Benjamin retires from rugby due to a knee injury

Leicester Tigers winger Miles Benjamin has announced his retirement from rugby due to a persistent knee injury.

The England Saxons winger joined Leicester from Worcester in 2013 and scored 10 tries in 29 appearances for the club.

Benjamin was nominated for the European Player of the year in 2013/14 after scoring four tries in the Heineken Cup pool stages, including two memorable tries in a home win over Montpellier.

In the 19 games he featured in last season he scored five times but has been sidelined by a knee operation in 2015/16.

Benjamin's last appearance for the Tigers was in April 2015 in a home victory over Exeter Chiefs.

Benjamin, 27, said: "It is massively disappointing to be denied the opportunity to play because of injury.

"Injuries are part and parcel of the game, but on this occasion I have been told I must look to a future away from playing the game professionally.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with great groups of players at Worcester Warriors and Leicester Tigers, and have some great memories, but now it is time to consider another challenge for the future."

Solihull-born Benjamin scored 60 tries in 124 appearances for Worcester Warriors and gained calls at England U20s and England Saxons level where he scored six tries in five appearances.

Leicester director of rugby Richard Cockerill said: "It is very disappointing news that Miles has had to confirm his retirement from rugby at such a young age.

"The tries he scored for the Tigers showed just how much of a threat his pace and power could present to opposition defences and made him a valuable member of the squad here.

"He has worked diligently at the club and it is very unfortunate that he has not been able to make a full recovery from a knee injury.

"We wish Miles well for the future and he will always be welcome at Welford Road."