England's most successful captain, Will Carling, has confirmed his reirement from the game, effective immediately.

The 32-year-old former England skipper, who won three Grand Slams and led his team to the 1991 World Cup final, said he had decided to quit after being plagued by injuries this season.

"Retirement from the game is a big wrench but it is the right decision," Carling said.

"Though I have been flattered by the interest of other clubs, Quins is my club and I have always said I would end my playing days here," he added.

Carling refused to blame it on a dispute with Harlequins coach Andy Keast.

On Tuesday, Carling said he had been asked by senior Harlequins players to delay a decision for 48 hours. But after thinking about it he confirmed that he would be leaving the game he has dominated for 10 years.

Business to fall back on

Harlequins - Carling's club for 10 years

Carling has always run his career on his terms.

Mr Carling runs his own business even though almost everybody else in the game is now employed full-time by rugby.

Carling left the England captaincy by choice in 1996 after leading England to 44 wins in 59 Tests.

He spent last season as an England player, eventually reaching 72 caps, and then retired from internationals when he believed it to be the right time.

The try-scoring centre is likely to go down in history as one of England's most successful captains and the man who led the team back to the top after years in the doldrums.

Catalyst for success

Former Harlequins and England colleague, Simon Halliday, said: "Back in 1988 England were in a complete mess, a shambles.

"Will came in and created a catalyst for success."

Despite their quarrels, Keast also remains an admirer of Carling the player.

"He is an icon - a great man. He is so dynamic when on form that I would be unwise to transfer him to Wasps or any other club," the Quins coach said recently, following speculation that Carling was about to join Quins' big London rivals.

Carling's feud with Keast can be traced back to his being dropped, substituted or placed on the bench in the late autumn matches.

Sad end to his career

It is a sad end to a career during which he has upset plenty of people off the field, although only a minority have ever denied his quality as a rugby player.

He found himself in serious conflict with the RFU in 1995 when he called the committee "57 old farts". He was sacked instantly as captain and then re-instated 48 hours later.

Carling was also linked romantically with the late Diana, Princess of Wales, after she separated from the Prince of Wales.

He split up with his wife, Julia, shortly afterwards.

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