Rugby:Former England hooker Lee Mears has been forced to retire with immediate effect due to a heart condition, his club Bath have announced.

An abnormality known to occur in some athletes was discovered during a cardiac screening completed by the 33-year-old Bath frontrow, who announced his international retirement last year.

“There is a significant potential risk of developing further complications if Lee continues to perform the prolonged strenuous exercises required to be an elite rugby player,” read a statement issued by Bath.

“He has therefore been advised by a specialist to retire from professional rugby.”