The 32-year-old made his Cardiff debut in 2009 and went on to score six tries in 40 appearances in EPCR competitions, featuring eight times in their triumphant 2017/18 campaign.

Navidi, a 33-time Wales international who toured with the British & Irish Lions in 2021, sustained the injury while on tour with his country in South Africa last summer.

“It is with great sadness but also an immense amount of pride that I am announcing my retirement from rugby,” Navidi told Cardiff’s website.

“Although I knew this day would come eventually, I don’t think I was ever really able to prepare myself for how difficult it would be to put into words just how much of an impact the game has had on my life.

“I am enormously grateful to everyone at Cardiff Rugby. I started my career with the club in 2009, and over those 14 years, there have been so many memories made that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

“Running out on to the Arms Park field with my teammates to our incredible supporters never grew old, and for this reason the club has always held a special place in my heart.

“From winning the Challenge Cup in Bilbao in 2018, to winning against Toulon in a packed-out Arms Park, every time I put on that blue shirt it was an honour, and I’d like to thank the staff over the years, our supporters, and the boys who I got to take the field with every week for making these moments possible.”

Cardiff director of rugby Dai Young added: “It is incredibly disappointing when any player is forced to retire but Josh can be enormously proud of his career and everything, he has contributed whether in a blue and black or red jersey.

“He has been one of the best back-row forwards in the world over the past number of years and while his playing time for Cardiff has been limited in recent years, what he has contributed over more than a decade is huge.

“He was one of the club’s best and most consistent performers season after season and to make 184 first team appearances and win 33 caps in such an abrasive position is no mean feat.”

Cardiff Rugby back-row forward Josh Navidi, who lifted the EPCR Challenge Cup with the Welsh region in 2018, has been forced to retire from rugby due to a ‘serious neck injury’.