32-year-old Welsh international backrow Josh Navidi has been forced into early retirement due to a serious neck injury. 

The dynamic and versatile Navidi made his professional debut with Cardiff in 2009 before going on to represent Wales four years later, making his debut in 2013, winning 33 test caps. 

Speaking on his retirement, Navidi said: "It is with great sadness but also an immense amount of pride that I am announcing my retirement from rugby, 

"Although I knew this day would come eventually, I don't think I was ever really able to prepare myself for how difficult it would be to put into words just how much of an impact the game has had on my life. 

"I am enormously grateful to everyone at Cardiff Rugby. I started my career with the club in 2009, and over those 14 years, there have been so many memories made that will stay with me for the rest of my life." 

During his 14-year professional career, Navidi won a Six Nations Grand Slam with Wales and Challenge Cup title with Cardiff. 

Releasing a statement on Navidi’s departure, Cardiff Rugby said: "Josh Navidi will retire from rugby with immediate effect after failing to successfully recover from a serious neck injury." 

Following up on the club statement, head coach Dai Young said: "Josh can be enormously proud of his career and everything he has contributed whether in a blue and black or red jersey. 

"He has been one of the best back-row forwards in the world over the past number of years, and while his playing time for Cardiff has been limited in recent years, what he has contributed over more than a decade is huge. 

"He was one of the club's best and most consistent performers season after season, and to make 184 first-team appearances and win 33 caps in such an abrasive position is no mean feat. 

"Everyone at Cardiff sends Josh our very best wishes for the future and look forward to seeing him as a supporter in the future."