Bracken to hang up his boots

World Cup-winner Kyran Bracken will quit rugby at the end of this season.

Former England international Kyran Bracken has announced his intention to retire from the game at the end of the season.

The Saracens scrum half won 51 caps as he jostled with Matt Dawson for the England number nine shirt, and he was part of the squad that won the World Cup back in 2003.

Bracken's decision to quit will bring an end to his 10-year spell with Sarries, where he made over 200 appearances.

The former Bristol man insisted his decision had nothing to do with the disappointment of the current campaign, which has seen Saracens drop as low as 11th at times this year, and he confessed he had planned to retire a year ago before the club qualified for the Heineken Cup.

"I wanted to be involved in the Heineken Cup and be involved with a team which was doing well," explained Bracken.

"I took a position as third choice scrum half to be used when needed and took the opportunity to get fit over the summer.

"But I've really enjoyed my last season with the club despite it not living up to our expectations and yes, there's no chance I'm going to change my mind, it's definitely the right time to hang up my boots."

The 34-year-old has suffered heavily with injuries towards the end of his career, causing him to spend some lengthy spells on the sidelines.

Back problems have been particularly limiting for Bracken, and he admitted his fitness had played a part in his decision.

"Coping with injuries and putting my body under strain during playing and training is not something I'm going to miss," added the half back.

"I'm looking forward to getting myself fairly injury free during the summer and then hopefully being able to pick up my kids!

"To be honest this was the main driving force behind my decision to quit playing as if my back was in good nick and I was enjoying my rugby, which I am at the moment, then I think I'd probably stay.

"But if you watch the difference between me play now and five years ago, the bend in my back is vastly different.

"It effects my pass, the way I run and everything I do so I don't want to be crawling out of the game."

Bracken must now turn his attentions to the next chapter in his life, and he hinted at a potential future at Saracens in a coaching capacity.

"In my view Saracens will be the best club in England and Europe but I can't tell you when.

"What I do know is that everyone continues to work very hard behind the scenes to make this happen from the board all the way down and that's why I want to stay involved in some capacity with the club that I love."