Harlequins' Williamson to retire at the end of season

Williamson joined Quins after being released from Manly Sea Eagles

Harlequins' second row Luke Williamson has announced he will retire from the game at the end of the season.

The 32-year-old Australian, who is currently sidelined with a foot injury, joined Quins in 2008 and has made 36 Super League appearances.

He told BBC London 94.9: "This is my 14th year as a pro and the mind, body and soul are telling me that this could be the time.

"I've got a young son, and it's time to start a new phase in our lives."

He added: "We'll head back down under, our two-year visa is due to run out in November and hopefully see as much of the world as we can while we're here.

There was interest from the club for a deal until 2011 and there was an offer on the table

Luke Williamson

"There was interest from the club for a deal until 2011 and there was an offer on the table.

"After speaking to my wife, we decided that in the best interests of the club and for myself, we'd had enough and that we'd lived this part of our lives long enough."

The Aussie remains cautious over whether he will return from injury before the end of the season.

"It's frustrating. It's been a month now and I'm barely walking. For me to be able to walk then run seems a while away, but hopefully time can tick away quick and we can get it over and done with."