Legend Spencer retires from rugby

Spencer was chaired from the pitch after England clinched the 2011 Six Nations

Former England captain Catherine Spencer has retired from rugby union.

The Bristol number eight made her international debut in 2004 and won 63 caps, scoring 18 tries, and also played in two World Cup finals.

“After seven years of playing rugby for England and over 15 years of rugby I feel it is the right time to hang up my boots,” said the 31-year-old.

Spencer led England to four Six Nations and having stepped down as skipper last year helped them land the 2011 title.

England clinched the Six Nations for a sixth successive season with a 31-0 victory against Ireland on Friday, with Spencer coming off the bench early in the second half.

“Catherine is one of the great players in the modern era whose physical presence dominated many games,” said England head coach Gary Street.

“She captained my first game in charge for England and developed her captaincy skills culminating in an outstanding effort, on and off the pitch, during the World Cup.”

Spencer added: “Losing two World Cup finals was incredibly gutting at the time, but looking back they are certainly very proud moments.

“Beating the world champions New Zealand at Twickenham in November 2009 was probably one of the stand-out moments of my career, as was beating France in France in 2006 after two years of losing to them.”