John Yapp of Wales retires© David Rogers/Getty Images

Wasps and Wales prop John Yapp has been forced to retire from rugby with immediate effect at the age of 32 due to a back injury.

Yapp's professional career spanned 13 years and included 21 Wales caps, as well as spells with Cardiff Blues, London Irish and Edinburgh. He joined Wasps ahead of the 2014/15 season.

He was part of the Welsh squad that won a grand Slam in 2005 and made his last appearance for the national team in 2011.

"Obviously, you never see yourself having to finish rugby early through injury," said Yapp, "but in many ways I feel privileged to have been able to play the game I love for so many years. It's a hard feeling to get to grips with, knowing I will never be able to get out on the pitch for another game of rugby.

"I would like to thank Dai [Young], the Wasps coaching team, players and medical staff for all their support and effort. Unfortunately, while the mind is willing, the body isn't, but I can look back with great pride and a sense of satisfaction on a long career. I have had the privilege of representing my country - something many of us dreamed about as young lads growing up in Wales - as well as some fantastic clubs and regions.

"I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my family and friends. Anyone who plays professional sport knows it takes a lot of dedication and commitment, not just from players but also from their families and friends, and I would like to thank them for their support over so many years.

"I have been lucky to play with and against so many great players during my rugby career and I will look back over the years with great memories, of both the good times and the bad, which only served to make teams stronger. I have made friends for life through the game and the rugby community will always be very important to me."

Wasps' Director of Rugby Dai Young paid tribute to Yapp, saying: "It is always sad to see a player forced to retire before they are ready, but John can look back with immense pride at everything he has achieved in the game over the past 13 years.

"I remember him as a 19-year-old when I was player/coach at Cardiff and he went on to develop into a top class prop for his country as well as his club. He is also a fantastic guy to boot and on behalf of everyone at Wasps, I wish John and his family the very best for the future."