MATT Perry, Bath Rugby's longest serving player, has announced his retirement from rugby.

The 30-year-old has made the decision because of a bulging disc in his back, which means that he cannot get his fitness levels up to the necessary standard to be a professional rugby player.

Perry was born in Bath and played for the club's minis before going to Millfield School. He returned to the Academy at the age of 17, and from there graduated to the first XV, making his debut against Nottingham in December 1995, and five more appearances for the club at the end of the amateur era. He last played for Bath against NEC Harlequins on December 9, 2006 at the Twickenham Stoop, helping the team to a victory that kept their European Challenge Cup campaign on track. In all, Perry started 205 times for Bath, and came on as a replacement on 15 more occasions, and scored 561 points, including 36 tries.

Perry holds the record number of caps for an England full-back, amassing 36 in total after his debut in 1997 against Australia, which was Clive Woodward's first match in charge of the national side. He was selected for the British and Irish Lions tour to Australia in 2001, and took part in all three Tests, as well as makingthree other appearances for the side, while he also playedfive times for the Barbarians.

Perry said: "I can only operate at about 75 per cent, and these days you have to be 100 per cent or you have got no chance. The bulging disc won't let me operate at 100 per cent: it affects the nerves, which then affect the muscles down my left leg especially, from the hamstring to the calf."

England head coach Brian Ashton said: "I have known Matt for over a decade, he made his debut when I was coaching Bath back in 1995. He has been a great servant to his club and his country and he is still England's most capped full-back. An incredible competitor, Matt's team-mates were always glad to have him on their side. I wish him all the best in the future."

There will be a presentation to Perry on Saturday April 7 at the Recreation Ground, immediately after the final whistle in the Guinness Premiership match against Gloucester.