England flanker Jack Clifford has been forced to retire in the wake of unsuccessful major shoulder surgery.
The 27-year-old back row dislocated the joint when playing his 100th and final game for Harlequins against London Irish last September and has been unable to regain fitness despite undergoing two operations.
He won 10 caps in a Test career that included two starts and was ever-present under Eddie Jones in 2016 until damaging his ankle later in a year, the start of a debilitating series of injuries that hampered his career.
"I'm absolutely gutted to be have to call time on my career at a relatively early stage. I have been at Quins since I was 13 years old and made so many good friends here," Clifford said.
"It has been an absolute pleasure training and playing with the lads each week and I will miss this environment greatly.
"I feel proud to have reached 100 appearances for Quins and it is ironic that the injury was sustained in my 100th game!"
