Former England and British Lions forward Martin Bayfield has been forced to retire from playing by a neck injury.

However the 32-year-old second row forward intends to continue to be involved in rugby, developing the young players at Northampton.

Bayfield had made just five appearances for the Saints this season before he underwent surgery on his neck.

The 6ft 10ins former policeman said: "Despite having had a successful operation, there is danger that a further injury to my neck could be more serious.

"I felt that it would be too great a risk to my health if I were to continue playing."

Bayfield was capped 31 times for England and played three Tests against the All Blacks for the 1993 Lions. He joined Northampton from East Midlands in 1991 and became the club's first full-time professional player.