WALES international forward Jonathan Thomas said yesterday that players need “more educating about the warning signs” after being forced to retire from rugby at the age of 32.

In a statement, his club Worcester said that Thomas was diagnosed with epilepsy last year “which is thought to be from multiple head traumas and has led to a degree of brain injury.”

Thomas, who won 67 Wales caps between 2003 and 2011 and played in two World Cups, has now stepped down on medical advice.

News of his retirement comes as the World Cup prepares to kick off later this week and delivers another stark reminder about head impacts and concussion, which has dominated rugby union’s agenda in recent months and remains a top priority for World Rugby.

“I’ve learnt a huge amount during the last few months about head trauma, seizures and epilepsy and it would be great if I could help out in some way,” Thomas said.

“At the elite level of the game, I think the unions and medical departments of clubs do a great job and have a great understanding but I still think it’s the players who need more educating about the warning signs and getting out of that ‘digging in’ mentality.

“I must stress, however, in no way would I discourage anyone from playing the game that has given me so much. Also in no way do I regret anything about my rugby career and I wouldn’t change a thing.

“In regards to the immediate future, I’m going to take some time out but have no doubt I’ll stay involved with the game in some capacity.

“I would also like to get involved with charity work specifically related to head injury and help people gain a better understanding of what trauma can cause and how to deal with it.”

Worcester high performance director Nick Johnston added: “Unfortunately, on the advice of consultants, he has been advised to retire from professional rugby.”