Injury forces Carling to quit

Will Carling captained England a world-record 59 times

Former England rugby captain Will Carling has announced his retirement from the game.

Carling, who led England to a World Cup final and three Grand Slams is calling it a day when his one-year contract with Harlequins ends next month.

I feel lucky to have played the game for 27 years and to have been a part of so many memorable moments.

Will Carling

The 35-year-old centre has been plagued by injured tendons and ligaments in his left shoulder and may have played his last game.

He told the Mail on Sunday newspaper: "I'm seeing a specialist in a week's time.

"I'm hoping to play for Quins in some of their remaining league fixtures but it's not looking good.

"I feel lucky to have played the game for 27 years and to have been a part of so many memorable moments."

Woodward swipe

Carling marked his decision to quit the game with a swipe at England coach Clive Woodward, questioning his ability to make England a true force in world rugby.

Carling calls Woodward an 'underachiever'

The ex-international star cited England's 19-13 defeat against Scotland at Murrayfield, which cost them a Grand Slam, as a perfect example of the team's continued underachievement.

"There has to remain a huge question mark over Woodward's ability to make England a true force in world rugby," he said.

"My position on Woodward remains sceptical. This has never been a personal criticism. Clive was one of the players I most admired when I started my career. But, as England coach, he sets the tone for the rest of the squad.

"Woodward has produced a team that can play awesome rugby, especially against the weaker sides, but his England simply aren't winning the crunch games."