Hinshelwood's Scotland career has been disrupted by injuries

The 28-year-old Worcester centre, who was capped 18 times by Scotland, has been dogged by a serious back injury.

Hinshelwood joined the Warriors in 2001 and captained the side in their first season in the Premiership.

In October, he revealed plans to take a year off from international rugby to reduce his training schedule but has now had to quit the game altogether.

"This is very sad news for everyone connected with the club," said Worcester rugby director John Brain.

We had hoped he would have been competing very strongly for a place in our 2007 Rugby World Cup squad Scotland coach Frank Hadden

"Ben has been a key contributor to what we have achieved so far at Worcester, and I would like to place on record my thanks for everything he has done for us, both on and off the pitch.

"However, we fully respect and support his decision, as his long-term health has to be his primary concern.

"We all wish him every success for the future."

Scotland coach Frank Hadden added: "I'm very sorry to hear about Ben's retirement.

"We had hoped he would have been competing very strongly for a place in our 2007 Rugby World Cup squad and our thoughts go out to him at this difficult time.

"We'd like to thank Ben for his contribution to the game here and for carrying on a fine tradition by following in his father Sandy's footsteps to play for his country.