Worcester Warriors back row Marco Mama has today announced his retirement from rugby.

The Zimbabwean took to Instagram this morning, Tuesday August 24, to announce he is bringing an end to his playing career, aged just 30.

In the emotional post he wrote: “The time has come to hang up the boots.

“I have absolutely loved my 12 years of professional rugby, but there comes a point where the reward from the game is diminished, and the risks are more apparent.

“One thing I do know about rugby, is you are either in it or not. So now is the time to step away and enjoy everything life has to offer outside of the game.

“I will look back with pure fondness at the emotional highs and lows. It is a special game and it has shaped me into the man I am today.”

He added: “Thank you to all at @bristolbearsrfc and @WorcsWarriors that have contributed and supported my career during my time there.

“Over and out.”

Mama spent six years with Worcester after joining from Bristol Bears in 2015.

He departed the club at the end of the 2020/21 season having made 70 appearances in total, scoring eight tries.

Mama was unfortunate to suffer numerous injuries during his time at Sixways, the worst of which came in the 2017/18 season.

Having missed most of the season Mama was able to return for Worcester's final four games as they claimed wins over Newcastle Falcons and Harlequins.

Mama marked his 50th appearance by captaining the side in a win over Sale Sharks during the 2018/19 season.

An injury in April 2019 resulted in Mama requiring four surgeries within a ten-day period to save his right leg before a recurrence of the injury later in the year.

He also represented Zimbabwe U20s team at the 2010 and 2011 IRB Junior World Championships and was a part of an RFU Championship XV team that defeated Canada 28-23 at Sixways in 2014.