WING Sam Smith has retired from professional rugby after failing to recover from tears in his quadriceps muscle.

The 26-year-old hasn’t featured for Worcester Warriors since the Championship play-offs in May 2015, spending almost the whole of last term on the sidelines.

He had a short loan spell at Championship outfit London Scottish last season.

However, Smith, who racked up 15 tries in 19 appearances during Warriors’ 2014/15 promotion-winning campaign, has been busy off the field.

Smith has been able to bring a long-term project of his to life.

His specialty coffee shop, named Wayland’s Yard, is set to open next to Foregate Street train station in Worcester next month.

The former Harlequins man also picked up a first-class honours degree in politics and economics, demonstrating how players can balance a professional rugby career with studying.

High performance director Nick Johnston said: “Our staff have worked hard to try to get Sam back to full fitness but unfortunately it hasn’t worked out for him and he’s decided to focus on a different pathway in life. Sometimes that’s the way it works out.

“But in another aspect it shows how our education programme can prepare players for life after rugby.

“Sam’s journey is another case of our succession planning working to good effect and despite his misfortune with injury, he can look forward to a successful career in business and start a fresh challenge, with the full support of the club.”

Smith said: “I am obviously devastated to be moving on from rugby, a game that has given me so many amazing memories, opportunities and lifelong friends.

“I’ve tried everything I can to get back to full fitness but it has become clear that now is the time for me to focus on my new path in life.

“I look forward to being able to share specialty coffee with as many people in Worcester as possible.

“I love Worcester and, despite only living here for two years, it’s where I now call home and I’m excited to be setting up my dream in the heart of the city.

“I’d like to thank the Warriors staff, fans, my teammates, family and girlfriend for their support through what has been a pretty difficult period.

“Of course, I will still be getting to Sixways to watch the boys push on over the coming seasons and I have no doubt that the club will go on to achieve great success.”