FORMER Worcester Warriors forward Chris Jones has been forced to retire from professional rugby after suffering concussion.

The 35-year-old Yorkshire Carnegie captain took a nasty bang on the head during this season's home game against Nottingham.

The versatile former England international enjoyed a three-year spell at Sixways from 2011 and 2014 and made 67 appearances for the club.

Jones also had a 10-year career at Sale Sharks, where he was twice named player of the year and won the Premiership and the European Challenge Cup.

In total, Jones played 213 times in the Premiership and made it to 11th of the all-time top-tier appearances.

Confirming his retirement Jones said: "It is massively disappointing for me to have to end my career in this way, but having spoken with the club's doctors they have advised me that it would not be safe for me to continue playing.

“Since the Nottingham game I have experienced a number of side effects from the concussion and I am now working with the Industry of Sport in London on treatment.”

He added: "This has all been quite sudden and I had agreed a new contract with Yorkshire Carnegie so I have no immediate plans for a career outside of playing.

“I joined Yorkshire Carnegie with the ambition to get the club promoted and am gutted that I am having to call time on my career.

“I have enjoyed my time with Yorkshire Carnegie and I was honoured to captain them last season and I wish the club all the best for the future.”