End of the line for McRae

Gloucester's Duncan McRae has been forced into retirement by a long-term knee injury.

Gloucester fly-half Duncan McRae has been forced into retirement by a long-term knee injury.

The Australian A international has undergone four operations in 14 months but has been advised not to risk major long-term problems by trying to make another comeback.

"My first operation on was on Christmas Eve in 2004 and ever since then I have been battling to try and get back to full fitness without a great deal of luck," he said.

"I have been told enough is enough because my knee simply is not responding the way we wanted it to. I have tried to get back for over a year but the knee is soft and could collapse - which is not a great thought at all."

McRae began this season as Gloucester's skills and development coach, though he played through severe discomfort to appear against Sale and Bristol in the Guinness Premiership and Toulon in the European Challenge Cup.

In all he made 44 appearances for the Cherry and Whites in all competitions since joining in 2003.

Gloucester's head coach Dean Ryan added: "It is tremendously sad when anyone is forced into retirement. Duncan has been a very special part of this squad for a couple of years now.

"His contribution, both on and off the field, have been outstanding to the development of the team and he will be sorely missed."