Ben Lewis in action for the Ospreys in last season's Anglo-Welsh Cup © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Ben Lewis

Tournaments/Tours: Magners League

Teams: Ospreys | Wales

Ospreys forward Ben Lewis has been forced to admit defeat in his bid to recover from a neck injury and has retired from rugby with immediate effect.

The 24-year-old flanker, who was capped at all age-grade levels by Wales, suffered the injury in a Magners League clash with Aironi in September. However, despite completing an intensive rehab programme and making a return to competitive rugby in February with Swansea, he suffered "subsequent symptoms" which were such that doctors last week advised him to call time on his professional career.

"After speaking to the specialists, I've come to a decision which is the right one for me personally," Lewis said. "Regrettably, this means that I have to give up rugby, but some things in life are more important than the game, life will still go on for me.

"I'm still young so there will be plenty of opportunities ahead for me. I'm not going to rush into making any decisions at the moment, I'll take my time and look at the options available before deciding what's next for me.

"I'd like to thank everybody who has supported me throughout my career, including my family and friends, and my girlfriend. At the Ospreys, I'd particularly like to thank the medical team for their outstanding care and support that I've had, as well as the players, coaches and management, and there is a special thank you to the fans who have never been anything less than brilliant to me. Obviously I will miss being part of the Ospreys, but I will no doubt remain close to the team, as I have so many good friends in the group."

Ospreys Elite Performance Director Andrew Hore admitted that everyone within the club was devastated by the news that one of their most promising young forwards had been forced to retire.

"It is always tragic to see any player forced out of the game at such a young age," he said. "In Ben's case, he is such a talented player and an enthusiastic, passionate and intelligent person, that he offers so much to our environment on and off the pitch.

"He has had terrible luck with injury but has always dealt with his situation in a positive manner, with a commitment to getting back into action as soon as possible, as was the case on this occasion. However, unfortunately, the medical advice surrounding his neck injury is such that he has been left with no option but to retire.

"We look after our own at the Ospreys, and will provide him with whatever support he requires as he adjusts to life outside of the game, and we wish him and his family all the best for the future, whatever it holds for him."