Former Wales captain Ryan Jones has announced his retirement from professional rugby.

Jones, 34, says his "body is not able to cope with the rigours of professional rugby anymore" as he calls time on a career that saw him make 75 appearances for Wales, win three Grand Slams alongside the three British & Irish Lions caps he won on the 2005 tour of New Zealand.

He spent most of his playing career at the Ospreys but his final game was for Bristol in last season's play-off against Worcester Warriors. "This wasn't an easy decision for me to make, but there comes a time when I have to accept that my," Jones said. "I'm been incredibly fortunate to play the game I love for so long and have some amazing experiences and meet wonderful people.

"I'm so proud to be able to say I captained Wales and played for the British Lions - I've accomplished everything I wanted to in rugby. There's a tinge of regret that we were unable to achieve promotion last season, but I'm grateful to the players, staff and supporters at Bristol for the way I have been welcomed here."

Bristol boss Andy Robinson paid tribute to Jones, saying: "On behalf of everybody at Bristol Rugby, I'd like to congratulate Ryan on a fine career. What he has achieved at the very highest level for his country and the Lions is fantastic and underlines his qualities as a person and a player. He was a very tough opponent to coach against, and a great player to coach.

"Ryan's time at Bristol Rugby has been hugely beneficial for the development of our team culture and game understanding. I would like to thank him for his contribution to the club."