Rugby legend Mike Tindall announces his retirement

After 17 years in the field, former England captain Mike Tindall is hanging up his boots.

14:59 15 July 2014

Rugby legend and former England captain Mike Tindall has confirmed his retirement saying he will not seek an immediate switch to full-time coaching after retiring from professional rugby.

The 35-year-old has admitted that his chances of a new contract at Kinsholm are very limited after Nigel Davies was sacked at the end of the last season.

Gloucester has since recruited rugby director David Humphreys and a new back-room staff, leaving no place for him to continue his playing and coaching role.

Tindall told the Gloucester Citizen: "I could play two more years if I really wanted to but club rugby is a very special thing for me, it's what I love about the game.”

"I had to ask myself if I wanted to go and play somewhere else.

"Can you get emotionally attached to another club? Because that is the pull of club rugby for me.

"I don't think you can. I always say 'never say never' but I wouldn't have thought I will be back.

"You have to face the big bad world some time and now is the right time to do that."

Tindall said he will now seek media work with BT Sport and BBC Radio 5 Live.