Leicester Tigers back-row forward Brett Deacon has announced his retirement with immediate effect.

The 31-year-old has taken the decision after he had recently received medical advice from doctors.

Instead, Deacon has accepted the invitation to join Leicester's coaching staff.

"I have to go with the medical advice. I've had a very enjoyable career and it is disappointing when the decision to stop playing is taken out of your hands," he told the club's official website. "Every young player growing up in the area wants to play for Leicester Tigers and I was fortunate enough to be able to do that."

Deacon is the younger brother of England international Louis.