Barry Williams has undergone surgery three times in 12 months

Ospreys hooker Barry Williams has admitted defeat in his battle against injury and announced his retirement.

The 1997 British Lion tourist to South Africa, 34, had a hip and two shoulder operations in the last 12 months.

His failure to recover from the last shoulder surgery, which took place early in April, prompted his decision.

Williams said: "I have a year left on my contract and could have taken the wages for another 12 months but that goes against everything I believe in."

606: DEBATE Pay your tributes to Barry Williams here

The Llandovery College product was the first Ospreys captain to lead them to silverware, lifting the Celtic League title in 2005 and spoke to joint chief executive Mike Cuddy before making his decision public.

Williams said: "It's a very sad day for me, it's one that all professional sportsmen dread but unfortunately it seems that now is the appropriate time for me to hang up my boots.

"My body has been through a hell of a lot during my playing career and the wear and tear is finally catching up with me, I simply can't do another season.

"I don't think I would be able to look people in the eye if I was doing that so I went to speak to Mike Cuddy and was honest about the whole situation."

In tribute coach Lyn Jones today hailed Williams as the "first Ospreys legend".

When things were getting tough . . . Barry stood up to be counted and led by example, on and off the pitch Lyn Jones

Jones added: "In the short history of the region, Barry Williams thoroughly deserves to be recognised as the first Ospreys legend.

"He was the first and only player to reach 100 appearances and was inspirational for the way he captained the Ospreys when we were in our embryonic stage.

"When things were getting tough and we weren't faring too well, Barry stood up to be counted and led by example, on and off the pitch."

Williams will now become the Ospreys' first official ambassador after a career that took in 24 Wales appearances as well as stints with Llandovery, Llanelli, Neath, Richmond, Bristol and Swansea.