Marcos Ayerza announces retirement from rugby

Leicester Tigers and Argentina prop Marcos Ayerza has announced his retirement from professional rugby after 11 seasons at Welford Road.

"I have been extremely proud to represent Leicester Tigers and Argentina for so many seasons and enjoyed every minute of that long journey," Ayerza said after being advised to end his playing career due to an injury in his back.

"It is very sad when an injury suddenly finishes your career but I can only be thankful to God first to have allowed me to experience this great journey...I will take with me many great memories experienced by playing this great game of rugby but more importantly the best thing to take with me is all those great people I met on this journey along the way..."

Ayerza joined Tigers in the summer of 2006 from the Cardinal Newman club in Argentina and went on to make his 200th starting appearance in the opening home game of the 2016/17 season, playing in 246 first-team games as part of a squad that won four Premiership titles – he played in Premiership Finals in six successive years at Twickenham.

He also played in two European Cup Finals and has been part of two Anglo-Welsh Cup-winning squads.

The 34-year-old retires with immediate effect, having made his final Tigers appearance in the win over Harlequins at Welford Road in November 2016.