Aviva Premiership
Bath's Beattie calls it a day
ESPNscrum Staff
March 19, 2012
Bath flanker Andy Beattie taps down a lineout, Bath v Glasgow, Heineken Cup, The Rec, Bath, England, January 21, 2012
Andy Beattie has been forced to retire due to an ankle injury © Getty Images
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Tournaments/Tours: Aviva Premiership
Teams: Bath Rugby | England

Bath back-rower Andy Beattie has been forced to retire due to an ankle injury.

The 33-year-old consulted two specialists after suffering the problem in January and was advised to hang up his boots.

Beattie made 238 appearances for Bath after joining the west country giants from Exeter in 2001, also winning England 'A' honours in 2005.

"I am obviously gutted not to be able to carry on playing the game I love, but having sought medical advice I have to take it seriously," Beattie said.

"I've had a fantastic career and have been very lucky to be able to play for such a long time at a club like Bath.

"I'd like to thank everyone that's helped me throughout my career, from team-mates, to coaches, to the physios who have put me back together a few times."

The Rugby Players' Association (RPA) has pledged to assist Beattie as he adapts to life outside of the game.

"It's always said when retirement is forced on a player," the chief executive, Damian Hopley, said. "As with all our RPA members, we will support Andy during this transition and will help him assess options for the next stage of his career.

"On behalf of everyone at the RPA I would like to congratulate Andy on all he has done for the game throughout his fine career and wish him the very best of luck for the next exciting stage of his life."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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