Leicester Tigers and England centre Anthony Allen has been forced to retire from rugby due to a knee injury.

Allen, 28, won two England caps and made 124 appearances for Leicester in the six seasons he spent at the club. He established himself as a key cog in their midfield and was named vice captain for the 2013-14 campaign but played his last match for the Tigers in January against Harlequins.

Leicester Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill said: "Anthony has been a great success as a Leicester player, becoming one of the most consistent and influential players in the Aviva Premiership during his six seasons with the club.

"He has always been appreciated by team-mates and coaches here for his work at the core of the team, as well as for his individual ability. He has also played a big role in helping the development of young players like Manu Tuilagi and Owen Williams alongside him in the backline.

"It is extremely disappointing for him and for the club that he has been advised to retire from playing at such a young age and at the peak of his career. Anthony has an excellent understanding of the game and we hope to be able to use that knowledge within the club in the future."

Announcing his retirement, Allen said: "It is very disappointing for any professional when they realise they have reached the end of their playing career and I obviously did not expect to play my last game at such a young age. But it is something I have had to come to terms with after rehabbing a knee problem for much of last season.

"I've played alongside and against so many great players, I played in five Premiership Finals with Gloucester and Leicester, played for my country and have shared in many massive occasions in 10 years as a player.

"I'd like to thank the Tigers for their support throughout this process and also thank my family and friends for all their support throughout my career, through the good times and bad.

"Last but not least, all the supporters at both Gloucester and Leicester Tigers have always been amazing to me and I will hugely miss running out on to the pitch every weekend."