After making his England debut as an 18-year-old, Tait was a World Cup Finalist in 2007 and has spent the last eight seasons with Leicester Tigers following previous spells with Newcastle Falcons and Sale Sharks.

He has taken the decision to retire on medical advice due to an Achilles injury which has affected his availability this season.

Tait, 33, said: “It isn’t how I planned to finish up but ultimately, this ongoing problem with my Achilles has caught up with me and, on the advice of people much more in the know than me, it’s the right time to call it quits.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at Tigers over the past eight years. Having played against Leicester before arriving at the club, it was a dream to be able to call Welford Road home and I leave having enjoyed many special memories with a lot of special people over my time here.

“I’ve been so fortunate to achieve many things in the game and it’s hard to pinpoint one highlight, let alone a few, but obviously being able to win the Premiership with Tigers stands out, as well representing my country and, of course, playing in a World Cup Final.

“I also think being able to have played against and alongside my brother Alex is something I’ll always remember as being very special.”