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Iain Balshaw calls it a day

London - Former Rugby World Cup winner Iain Balshaw announced his retirement on Friday.

The former England fullback, who helped England win the World Cup in 2003, has failed to recover from a knee injury sustained while playing for Biarritz in France.

"After 16 months of unsuccessful rehab it is finally time to call it a day," Balshaw said on Twitter.

"I would like to thank each and everyone of you, especially those at Bath, Leeds, Gloucester and Biarritz, who have played a part in the last 17 years.

"Through you I have had some amazing experiences, travelled the world and made some life-long friends and for that I am truly grateful."

Balshaw, 35, made 35 appearances for England and came on as a substitute in the 2003 World Cup final victory over Australia.

He also won three Test caps for the British and Irish Lions in 2001.

Balshaw made his senior debut for Bath in 1997 before moving to Leeds.

He joined Gloucester in 2006 and then moved across the channel to Biarritz in 2009.

His retirement means Mike Tindall is the only one of England's 2003 World Cup-winning squad still playing.

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