Former England international Andy Titterrell has retired from rugby © Getty Images

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London Welsh hooker Andy Titterrell has been forced to retire from rugby immediately due to injury.

Titterrell, 33, joined London Welsh at the beginning of the season from Edinburgh Rugby. He has made seven Championship appearances as table-topping Welsh chase a return to the Premiership.

Titterrell said: "It is absolutely devastating that my career has ended as a player in these circumstances. It's utterly gut wrenching.

"I hope to move forward now and make the transition into a specialist skills and strength & conditioning coach so that I can pass my understanding and expertise onto other professional players within the game that I am so passionate about.

"I'd like to thank all those who have supported me over my playing career, especially my parents, my wife and Gareth Delve, for them I am truly grateful."

Titterrell won five England caps and was part of the British & Irish Lions squad that toured New Zealand in 2005.

He played for clubs such as Sale Sharks, Gloucester Rugby and Leeds Carnegie during a career that started in 2001.

London Welsh head coach Justin Burnell said: "Andy is one of the most professional players I've ever worked with. His attitude and his contribution to the environment at London Welsh, both on and off the field, has been amazing.

"You won't find a better role model or ambassador for a professional rugby player than Andy Titterrell. He was the ultimate professional and a true gentleman."

Rugby Players' Association chief executive Damian Hopley said: "Andy has been an outstanding servant of English rugby over his long and distinguished career. Not only did he scale the heights of playing for England and The British & Irish Lions, but he has been a model professional at each of the clubs he represented with distinction."