England and London Wasps’ world cup winning prop Phil Vickery has announced his retirement from rugby due to a neck injury.

Despite recovering from four previous neck operations, the 34 year old was advised that his most recent neck injury is too severe to continue a rugby career.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, Vickery said: "I had some neck problems again and went to see some people and was advised that it was best to hang the old boots up.

 "It has all been a whirlwind. I've had the shingles but that sort of settled down and now this."

The 73 time capped Devonshire born prop experienced a colourful and successful career which saw him winning the world cup in 2003 alongside captaining England to the world cup final in 2007.

Vickery re-established his rugby career at Wasps after leaving Gloucester in 2006 due to a neck injury. He went on to win both the Heineken cup and the premiership title with the London club.

Nicknamed The Raging Bull, Vickery twice toured with the British and Irish lions, most recently in 2009 when he made his final international appearance against South Africa.  

Vickery added: "I am disappointed but am looking forward to the future and am proud of what I achieved.

"It is difficult because you have so many emotions. It is a mixed bag. I am proud and friends and family have said they are proud and that kind of does not make it any better, it makes it worse. But I look back with a lot of fond memories and will look forward to the future.

"The sportsman in me does not like being defeated, but I don't think anyone can question my desire, ability or want to play the game. It is the right decision."