Budgett joined Bristol from Bridgend in 2005

Bristol forward Nathan Budgett has been forced to retire because of an ongoing ankle problem.

The 35-year-old has not featured for the Championship side since he suffered the injury against London Welsh in May.

"When I first injured my ankle last season, I was expecting to be back at the start of this season," Budgett told BBC Radio Bristol.

"But when I had the operation the extent of the cartilage damage was a lot worse than they thought."

He added: "It meant my rehab was going to be a lot longer but I fully expected to be back. But I've never been able to get back to full fitness.

"The medical staff have been brilliant - they tried everything. I wasn't expecting it at all until a week ago when I went back to the surgeon and he showed me pictures of my ankle and it put it in perspective - my ankle was in a bit of a mess.

"That helped me accept that I wasn't going to play rugby again."

Capped 12 times by Wales, Budgett joined Bristol in 2005, making 95 first-team appearances.

"I'm really grateful to rugby for all the experiences it has given me," he added. "I've had some of my best times at Bristol."

Budgett will remain at the club working in the strength and conditioning department, and will also assist forwards coach Matt Salter.

Head coach Paul Hull added: "Nathan has suffered a series of setbacks in his bid to regain full fitness, and following his second operation, the surgeon has advised him that he would not be able to play rugby again.

"Everybody at the club would like to thank Nathan for his contribution over the last five years."

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