End of the road for Corry

The 36-year-old did an emotional lap of honour at the Walkers Stadium at the end of Leicester's 24-10 victory against Bath in the Guinness Premiership semi-final although he took no part in the match.

Corry, who has had pelvic and groin problems, said: "I spoke about playing another year with the club and saw a specialist but my body has told me that's it."

Corry added: "It had to happen at some stage. If I can get on the field in the last two games then great."

The Leicester players had urged him to bid farewell to the fans at his beloved Leicester although Corry will make himself available if needed for the Premiership final and the Heineken Cup final before hanging up his boots at the end of the season.

At 36 the physical toll of rugby has caught up with the man who played 290 matches for Leicester, 64 for England and appeared seven times for the British Lions.

He also captained England 14 times and was part of the World Cup winning team in 2003 as well as leading England to the final in 2007.

Corry has not decided on what he will do next but he hopes to stay in the game in some capacity.

"I have had some great highs and some lows but I have loved every moment of it," he said. "The hardest thing will be missing that buzz when you are in the changing room just minutes before the kick-off of a really big match.

"I am immensely proud of my rugby career and how I dealt with all the obstacles."