Former England international Nick Abendanon retires from professional rugby

Former England international Nick Abendanon has announced his decision to retire from professional rugby with immediate effect.

The 33-year-old said the lack of opportunity due to the ongoing season being suspended by the pandemic coronavirus led to the decision.

"It's difficult but at the end of June, I have to stop, I haven't got a choice," Abendanon told newspaper Midi Olympique.

"In my head, I hoped to play as much as possible at the end of the season to prove I was at this level and I deserved a contract at another club," he added.

Abendanon started his professional rugby debut with Bath Rugby in 2005 and after featuring in 143 Premiership games he switched to Clermont ahead of the 2014/15 season. The French side went on to qualify for the European Champions Cup quarter-finals this season.

"It's not at all my decision. There are things above us in life, events more important than your plans. I don't feel ready to stop but I have to," Abendanon said.

"I had contact with some clubs, discussions that were advanced. But everything went cold. Now, I have nothing," he added..