FORMER Wales and Newport back row forward Alix Popham has been forced to retire because of a shoulder injury.

The 31-year-old had an operation after shoulder and elbow problems forced a premature end to his season with French Top 14 club Brive.

The former Bassaleg Comprehensive pupil entered negotiations with a number of clubs but has hung up his boots on the advice of medical experts.

Popham said: "It's a sad day to realise it's the end of a chapter for me, but it also makes me extremely happy to reflect on the experiences and achievements I've been lucky enough take in during my rugby career.

"I remember strongly the emotions and elation of winning the Principality Cup as 22-year-old a decade ago with Newport and bringing the trophy back to Rodney Parade was one of my early highlights.

"We won the Powergen at Leeds in 2005, which was another real highlight, and then I came back to Wales with the Scarlets.

"There were some great nights at Stradey Park, but none greater than Toulouse in the Heineken Cup in 2007. They have always been one of the top clubs in Europe and we beat them home and away that year in two epic matches.

"With Wales, nearly beating New Zealand in the 2003 Rugby World Cup stands out, but beating England at Twickenham for the first time in 23 years in 2008 which then lead to the Grand Slam has to be the highlight.”

Popham, whose brother Marc plays for Cross Keys, now plans to start life as a coach on the fields of Gwent.

"I'm currently assessing my options,” he said. “But I would love to stay in rugby and I'm going to get involved with Newbridge youth and do my coaching badges and take it from there.”