By Matt Majendie BBC Sport in Melbourne

Frew was competing in his fifth Commonwealth Games

The 33-year-old, from Falkirk, fell on his dismount and ended the competition in last place of the eight competitors.

But he told BBC Sport: "I'm going to take time out before making a decision over my future. I really need a chance to relax and contemplate the future.

"I've been in competition for nearly 30 years and it starts to take its toll."

Frew has competed at a total of five Commonwealths, climaxing in his gold in Manchester four years ago when he tied with Cypriot Herodotos Giorgallas.

But following his Melbourne rings competition, he said: "I started off well but then started to get a swing. Once you get that in the rings there�s nothing you can do about it.

"I came here confident in defending my gold but gymnastics moves on so fast and tonight I didn�t quite have it."

Frew competed in his first Commonwealth Games in Auckland in 1990.

He added: "I feel a bit like the old man now and I'll see whether it's time for me to move on."