Scotland international Geoff Cross announces retirement

Scotland international and London Irish prop Geoff Cross has announced his decision to retire from professional rugby with immediate effect.

Cross made his debut for Scotland in 2009 and has made 40 appearances for his country in six years and has also worked with various clubs which includes Border Reivers, Edinburgh, Glasgow and London Irish.

During his 2014-15 stint with the London Irish, Cross has played nine games while scoring 10 points in it. However, in the 2015/16 season the Exiles club was relegated from the Aviva Premiership after finishing last in the table.

Cross, who is also a qualified doctor will now take up a career in medicine post-retirement.

"London Irish is a club steeped in history and tradition, and the foundations are very much in place for it to make an immediate return to the Aviva Premiership.

"Representing my country was the pinnacle of my career, and to have played 40 times for Scotland fills me with immense pride.

“I feel very privileged to have fulfilled a lifetime ambition and to have made memories which will last a lifetime. I'm now however focused on the next chapter, one that I'm very much looking forward to."

Head of rugby operations at London Irish Glenn Delaney was lavish in his praise for the tighthead prop and wished Cross for a successful future.

"Geoff has had a fabulous playing career that has seen him play at the very highest level for Scotland, and he has been a great professional to have at London Irish both on and off the field.

"I speak on behalf of everyone connected to the Club in wishing Geoff and his family all the very best for the future."