by Our Sports Desk

MIKE TINDALL became the last of England’s 2003 World Cup-winning side to hang up their boots yesterday, putting an end to his 17-year professional career.

The 35-year-old said he will not immediately switch to full-time coaching after his retirement.

He had been enjoying a player-coaching role at Gloucester but rugby director Nigel Davies’s sacking at the end of last season left his chances of a new contract at Kingsholm limited.

New director David Humphreys has brought with him a new back-room staff, leaving no place for Tindall’s current role.

“I could play two more years if I really wanted to but club rugby is a very special thing for me, it’s what I love about the game,” Tindall told the Gloucester Citizen.

“I had to ask myself if I wanted to go and play somewhere else.

“Can you get emotionally attached to another club? Because that is the pull of club rugby for me.

“I don’t think you can. I always say ‘never say never’ but I wouldn’t have thought I will be back.

“You have to face the big bad world some time and now is the right time to do that.”

The Otley-born centre racked up 75 caps for England including helping Sir Clive Woodward’s side to the 2003 World Cup triumph.

Tindall was pivotal to that win but blotted his copybook with a dismal performance in New Zealand eight years later.

England’s disappointing display in 2011 led to coach Martin Johnson’s exit and the end of Tindall’s international career, after he was resoundingly criticised for a night out during the tournament.

Tindall said he will now seek media work with BT Sport and BBC Radio 5 Live rather than chase a full-time coaching role.

“This has given me is an opportunity to have a year away from that and have a look at what else is out there,” he said.

“It’s a little bit daunting going into something where I am out of my comfort zone but at the same time it is exciting.”