Adam Eustace has announced his retirement from the game with immediate effect © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Adam Eustace

Tournaments/Tours: Aviva Premiership

Teams: England | Northampton Saints

Northampton Saints flanker Adam Eustace has been forced to retire due to a chronic neck injury.

The experienced 32-year-old former Gloucester forward arrived at Franklin's Gardens in the summer of 2010 but injuries limited his opportunities with a neck injury sustained earlier in the season forcing him to call time on his career.

"When I came to Northampton I wanted to make an impression," Eustace said. "I knew it was always going to be tough with so many good players, but unfortunately I've not been able to fulfil my personal goals. I feel really bad and somewhat guilty that I've not been able to repay Jim [Mallinder, director of rugby] and Nobby [Dorian West, forwards coach] for bringing me to the club and the fans for their good wishes.

"For the first time in my career I've had one injury after another and it's been very frustrating to say the least. I'm indebted to the club for giving me all the time I've needed to get myself back, but unfortunately I've been given the advice from specialists to stop playing. It's been hard to take on the chin, and I'm pretty emotional about it to be honest.

Mallinder said he was sorry that Eustace's career at the Saints had finished almost before it had started. "Adam had shown throughout his career that he was a quality and experienced campaigner and we thought he would bring a great deal to Franklin's Gardens," he said.

"While Adam has been a good person to have around the squad and contributed a great deal behind the scenes it is very unfortunate that he has not been able to show the fans his abilities as a player in the first team. It is always sad to see a player have his career ended by injury, but we wish Adam all the best with his rehabilitation and every success with whatever he chooses to do in the future."