Injury ends Lloyd career

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The 30-year-old, who moved to Gloucester last year from Leicester, suffered serious bone cartilage damage in his left knee while playing for the Cherry and Whites against the Ospreys in the Heineken Cup in January. Two months later, still plagued by the same injury, he limped off against Sale and has not played since.

He said: "I am distraught. It was only Tuesday that I found out that it was all over so it hasn't really sunk in yet. I just cannot put any pressure on the knee without it collapsing."

Lloyd has been at Kingsholm for just one year, having signed a two-year contract. In that time he has played eight games for Gloucester, scoring five tries.

"Although I'm bitterly disappointed I think I'll look back on my career and feel incredibly fortunate to have played alongside some truly great players," he continued.

"I won 12 trophies during my time at Leicester. There was a five-year period when we won everything there was to win, we were the Manchester United of rugby, and I count myself very lucky to have been a part of that."

Lloyd, a powerful centre or wing, scored 90 tries in his 269 games for the Tigers. He has two tries to his name in an England shirt.

He added: "I want to express my thanks to Gloucester for all the care and support the club has given me and for the help they have pledged to keep giving me."

Gloucester's head coach Dean Ryan said: "There are very few players who have achieved what Leon has during his career and we are as disappointed and upset as he is that his career has ended in this fashion.

"On behalf of the club, I would like to wish Leon every success for the future."