Tuesday 11 April 2017 10:56, UK
Leicester and Argentina prop Marcos Ayerza has announced his retirement from professional rugby at the age of 34.
Ayerza spent 11 seasons at Welford Road and played his last game for the Tigers in the win over Harlequins in November 2016.
He will now retire with immediate effect, having played 246 times for Leicester, winning four Premiership titles in the process, having been advised to end his career because of a back injury.
Ayerza also represented his country on 66 occasions, winning a bronze medal for the Pumas at the 2007 World Cup.
"I have been extremely proud to represent Leicester Tigers and Argentina for so many seasons and enjoyed every minute of that long journey," Ayerza told Leicester's official website.
"Leicester Tigers is an amazing club and I have been very fortunate to play here for the last 11 seasons, playing in so many big occasions and with so many great players.
"I'll miss a lot but it is time to face new challenges in my life, turn over the page, as hard as that is, and I wish the Tigers all the very best for the future."
Leicester chairman Peter Tom added: "Marcos has been an outstanding representative of the club on and off the field in more than 10 years at Tigers.
"He has been at the very heart of the Tigers squad for the last 11 seasons and continually worked hard on his game, while also assisting those around him.
"He has been without doubt one of the leading players in his position in the world game."
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