Flanker Chris Robshaw, who captained Harlequins to Challenge Cup glory in 2011, has announced his retirement from rugby at the age of 36.

The 66-time England international spent 16 years at Quins and made 64 appearances in EPCR competitions, featuring seven times in their triumphant Challenge Cup campaign in 2010/11.

Robshaw, who also captained England, led Quins to their maiden Premiership title the following season.

He departed the club in the summer of 2020 and has since been playing for San Diego Legion in the United States, but has now called time on his career amid a spate of shoulder injuries.

“After 18 years of professional rugby and a career I could only have dreamt of, I am officially announcing my retirement from the great game,” he said.

“Following three dislocated shoulders in quick succession my body has told me to blow the final whistle.

“No words can do justice to how fortunate and privileged I am to have enjoyed a career in the sport I am most passionate about.”

Robshaw’s final game in EPCR competitions was Quins’ 25-10 win at Bath Rugby in the Heineken Champions Cup pool stage in 2019/20.