Former England international Andy Goode has decided to retire from professional rugby after failing to recover from surgeries on injuries sustained prior to joining the Club.

Andy joined London Irish earlier this summer from Wasps with the intention of playing one more season in the Aviva Premiership and Europe. However, following consultations with the Club’s medical staff and his personal physician, Andy has reluctantly decided to call time on his playing career and will leave London Irish this week.

Goode is one of the all-time leading goal kickers in the Premiership, with a remarkable 2,147 points to his name, making him the second highest points scorer in the history of the competition.

Andy Goode commented to say: “To represent England 17 times is such an honour and something I’ll look back on with pride. Winning the Premiership five times, the Heineken Cup twice and the Anglo Welsh Cup, were more than I could ever have wished for. I can honestly say I’ve loved playing for every team and I feel immensely proud to have achieved what I have at each club.”

Andy added: “I’m really disappointed I can’t continue my career at London Irish and I have really enjoyed my short period with them. They have a fantastic Training facility at Hazelwood and I wish them every success in the future under their new coaches and leadership.”

Glenn Delaney, Head of Rugby Operations at London Irish said: “This is really disappointing news for Andy and for London Irish. He has enjoyed an incredible career for the Clubs he has played for and for England. Furthermore, he has brought a lot to us in terms of his experience and knowledge in a short space of time. All at London Irish wish Andy and his family well for the future.”