Mower forced to bow out

After two knee reconstructions and more than five months on the sidelines, former Scotland flanker Andrew Mower has decided to retire from rugby.

The 29-year-old attempted to beat all the odds by returning to the field for the Newcastle Falcons, but in a statement released by the club on Thursday, Mower admitted that he had made his decision after receiving medical advice to do so.

"At the time of my second [knee] reconstruction the surgeons gave me a 50-70 percent chance of playing again, but I'm now five months down the line from that operation and it's got to the state where I get pains there," said Mower.

"I've had five happy years in Newcastle, and the club have been excellent in giving me every chance to get back playing. But now is the time when I need to be stepping up to the rugby level of fitness, and with the pains I'm getting the doctors don't think that's wise.

"The club physio, Marten Brewer, has been there from day one and I can't thank him enough for all his help during a really difficult period, and I would also like to thank Rob Andrew and the chairman, Dave Thompson, for sticking by me throughout this.

The Australian-born Mower first moved to England to play for London Irish[Paul Dobson] . After joining the Falcons, he went on to be play 13 games for Scotland.

Mower played his last Test against Ireland in September 2003, before sustaining his second serious knee injury during the World Cup last year.

"It was an extremely tough decision because I love the game, but there comes a point when you have to weigh up the rest of your life when you get medical advice like that. You have to listen to your body, and I've given it every opportunity, but it's time to call it a day."

Mower revealed that he would now turn back to a career in finance following his retirement.

Newcastle Falcons director of rugby, Rob Andrew, said: "We're deeply disappointed that Andy has been faced with this desperate medical situation.

"He has always given his best for us, and we were delighted that he won international honours for Scotland while he was here playing with us.

"Everyone at the club is sure he can bounce back from this massive blow, such is the type of person he is, and we will all continue to support him."