BATH centre Ben Williams has been forced to retire from rugby due to an ongoing shoulder injury.

The former Bath Academy member, 26, joined the club from Bryanston School in 2007 and represented England U16 and U18.

He made 37 career appearances for Bath, scoring five tries but didn’t feature in Bath’s 2014/15 campaign due to the injury sustained in a pre-season match against Scarlets, in which he scored a try.

The problem required immediate surgery to stabilise the shoulder.

“I’ve done everything in my power to get back to full fitness, but there comes a point when you realise you need to do what’s best for your well-being,” said Williams.

“I’d like to thank everybody involved with the club: the medical staff, who have been brilliant with me in my time here; my teammates and the coaches; and, of course, our great supporters.”

Head Coach Mike Ford said: “It’s a real shame to see such a talented player having to retire from the game so young.

"Every time he took to the field we saw what he was capable of, so it’s a pity that injury has curtailed such a promising career.

"Ben’s an intelligent lad, so we’ll follow his next career move with great interest.”