STUART Hooper says he will not give up trying to help Bath Rugby finish their season on a high after announcing his shock retirement this morning.

The Bath club captain has been forced to hang up his boots with immediate effect on medical grounds after failing to fully get over the back injury he suffered against Leicester Tigers back in November.

The 34-year-old lock, who is in his eighth season at The Rec, is still coming to terms with the fact his playing days are over but is determined to contribute in any way he can to ensure Bath haul themselves up the Aviva Premiership table before the season is over.

“We’ve tried everything and it just hasn’t healed as we’d like so on the advice of the surgeons, I’ve taken the decision to retire with immediate effect,” explained Hooper, who has captained Bath for the last five seasons.

“It’s a big decision, I would love to finish on my own terms but sometimes that isn’t always the case. I’m coming to terms with it. It’s difficult but I am comfortable with it.

“I’ve tried to by philosophical about it. I’ve been playing for 16 years and had a decent innings and played a lot of games and done some wonderful things.

“I have spoken to the club and the coaches and I would love to stay involved if I can, but we will see.

“I have been here for eight years, I have invested a lot emotionally into the club and they have to me as well.

“I love the club. As soon as I found out it was finished for me I thought about what I could do to help the team in the next match against Sale this weekend and the rest of the season.”

Hooper’s legacy at Bath is a strong one. He became the first captain to lead the West Country side out in a Premiership final for 11 years last season, although that match ultimately ended in defeat to Saracens.

That has so far proved the pinnacle of Bath’s resurgence in recent years and although they have stuttered this season, Hooper is sure the foundations are in place for success in the future.

“I will look back on my time here with very fond memories but part of how you are judged after you are gone is what you have done and created and I think we are onto something very good here,” said Hooper.

“Being involved with these lads is fantastic, the environment here is great and we’ve got some wonderful people.

“It’s very difficult to pinpoint one thing but last year was brilliant with how we built through the season and how everything came together for us to get through to the final.

“But you have to think about more than just the wins and I’ve got some wonderful memories and been involved in some fantastic experiences and made some lifelong friends.”

l ENGLAND wing Anthony Watson has been suspended for two weeks after being sent off in Bath’s game against Saracens this month.

Watson pleaded guilty to two charges of tackling Alex Goode while in the air and then using “offensive, inappropriate and unprofessional language and behaviour towards the fourth official”.

The 22-year-old has been given a one-week ban for each charge and will not be available to play again until April 25.