Newcastle Falcons lock Carlo del Fava has been forced to retire with immediate effect due to a neck injury.
The Italian international, 32, made the decision to call time on his career after consulting medical experts.
"I would like to thank everyone who has been a part of my rugby career and I'm now looking forward to the challenges post-rugby," he told the club's official website.
"I'm very disappointed not to be involved with the club's Aviva Premiership campaign for the remainder of the season, and I would like to wish the team all the very best."
Del Fava joined Newcastle from Aironi in 2012.
