Former Irish international and Northampton Saints centre David Quinlan has been forced to retire from rugby with immediate effect.

The news was confirmed on the club's website today and comes after reviewing results of a recent MRI scan with a neurosurgeon, where Quinlan was left with no option but to call time on his career.

"It was my firm intention to see out the remaining year of my contract," said Quinlan on the Saints website. "And it is with great regret that I've had to end my career in this way. Rugby's been a massive part of my life for many years and I'm going to miss it greatly.

"It's been a wonderful couple of years here at Franklin's Gardens. I've loved playing for the Saints with some great guys and under some great coaches.

"And in all my time I've never come across such a welcoming and dedicated set of supporters as those at Northampton.

"I hope to contribute what I can for the remainder of the season to ensure that there will be Premiership rugby at the Gardens next season and European success this year."

Quinlan was capped twice for Ireland and arrived at Northapton in 2005 from Leinster.

"We're disappointed to lose a player of his quality," said head coach Paul Grayson. "It's a cruel way for his career to finish this way. He put his body on the line time and again for the club.

"David played a big part in our success last season. He's a very intelligent man and his understanding of the game is very good.

"We're losing a leader as well as a well-liked member of the squad."