Lloyd scored two tries for England

Gloucester's former England centre Leon Lloyd has retired after failing to recover from a knee injury.

Lloyd, 30, was restricted to eight appearances last season, having moved to Kingsholm in May 2007 after a decade at Leicester Tigers.

"I am distraught. It was only yesterday that I found out that it was all over, so it hasn't really sunk in yet.

"Although I'm bitterly disappointed I think I'll look back on my career and feel incredibly fortunate," he said.

"I want to express my thanks to Gloucester for all the care and support the club has given me and for the help they have pledged to keep giving me.

"I won 12 trophies at Leicester. There was a five-year period when we won everything there was to win, we were the Manchester United of rugby and I count myself very lucky to have been a part of that."

A Harley Street knee specialist advised Lloyd that the injury was career-ending on Tuesday.

Gloucester head coach Dean Ryan paid tribute to the player, who won five caps for England.

�There are very few players who have achieved what Leon has during his career and we are as disappointed and upset as he is that his career has ended in this fashion.

"On behalf of the club, I would like to wish Leon every success for the future."