Former Australia international Berrick Barnes announces retirement

Former Australia international Berrick Barnes has announced his decision to retire from professional rugby with immediate effect on medical grounds.

Barnes sustained a damage to bicep tendon off the bone while playing for Japanese side Ricoh Black Rams and has decided against making an attempt to resume playing following advice from specialists.

“I’m really sorry I couldn’t contribute more on and off the field," he told in a statement released by Rams website.

"Unfortunately my body is no longer allowing me to do what I was able to do in the past and for that reason I have chosen to retire.”

The 33-year-old started his professional rugby career with Reds in 2006 and also captained them in 2009. He also had a stint with Waratahs and played for Panasonic Wild Knights between 2013 and 2018 before heading to Ricoh Black Rams in 2020.

He also featured for Australia in 2007 and 2011 World Cups and played 51 Tests since his international debut that came in 2007 but did not feature for them since June 2013.