Cannon sounds his final shot

Australia international Brendan Cannon has been forced into premature retirement.

Australia international hooker Brendan Cannon has been forced into premature retirement from rugby due to a persistent problem with his back.

The 34-year-old Western Force man has struggled all season to string a run of games together, and his decision comes after being warned he could cause longterm damage to his spinal cord.

Cannon retires having played 42 Tests for the Wallabies - the last of which came against Italy in November 2006 - and he admits his decision to quit has been made with a heavy heart.

"I really didn't have any option. As much as I wanted to play on and represent the Emirates Western Force and the Wallabies, I really couldn't," Cannon was quoted as saying by Planet Rugby website.

"It would have been very silly of me to tempt fate again, particularly with a much greater risk of permanent injury.

"And, to be honest, I didn't want to jeopardize my future as a good husband and father, so the decision was really driven by my commitment to my family."

Cannon would undoubtedly have been a key figure in Australia's World Cup squad had he been fit, but his body has never been the same since he collapsed under a scrum during the Force's clash with the Highlanders last year.

The incident left him needing surgery on his neck, and a similar collapse at the start of April saw Cannon leave the field with numbness in his left arm.

Dr Malone revealed the Aussie veteran could have recovered to full playing capability, but it would have been at the risk of his own future well-being.

"After recovering from a serious neck condition in 2006, Brendan sustained a new and serious injury to his neck and brachial plexus whilst playing in Christchurch earlier this month," Dr Malone said.

"Whilst I think it is likely that Brendan will fully recover from his most recent injury, he may not be so fortunate with the next.

"After careful deliberation, I advised Brendan that a return to rugby would have put his spinal function at risk and exposed him to further and possibly permanent spinal cord or nerve injury."

Cannon reached a total of 106 Super Rugby caps during his career, which saw him move from Queensland Reds to the NSW Waratahs, before becoming the first player to sign for the Force.

Coach John Mitchell paid tribute to his experienced hooker, insisting it must have been a major decision for one of the game's great competitors.

"It would have been a tough call drawing the curtain on such a fine career," Mitchell told Planet Rugby.

"But Brendan has always been there for Australia and the Force, giving it his best. And if there was a way forward, Canno would have found it.

"I hope he continues to have a role in rugby because I believe the game needs people like Brendan who have experience in both the professional and amateur eras.

"I wish him the very best in retirement. He's certainly earned it. But I believe it's the right decision.

"Of course, like everyone who has been with the team, he will always be a Force Man."