Scotland and Ulster wing Simon Danielli has announced his retirement from rugby due to a back injury.
The 32-year-old won 32 Scotland caps, scoring eight tries, in a nine year test career which included two Rugby World Cups.
Danielli joined Ulster at the start of the 2007/08 season from the now defunct Borders side and made 78 appearances for the Irish province, scoring 26 tries.
The Oxford educated back, who was renowned for his powerful running, said that it was an "incredibly sad day" for him to hang up his boots.
Danielli said: "This last year has been incredibly frustrating in that my back has not allowed me to train or play anywhere near a frequency or an intensity necessary in a professional game and because of the pain, deterioration and related injuries it's causing I have to think about later life beyond rugby.
"Having said that I feel privileged to have been playing for over a decade and have thoroughly enjoyed my time as a professional rugby player, particularly my last five years here at Ulster and the huge honour of representing my country."
Danielli's announcement comes ahead of Ulster's Heineken Cup final against Leinster on May 19.
Scotland head coach Andy Robinson paid tribute, telling the Scotland Rugby website: "I first encountered Simon as a young winger at Bath more than ten-years-ago and it speaks volumes for his dedication and determination that he frequently forced his way into international contention.
"At his peak Simon was always one of the fittest players whether for club or country and, at his best, was a proven try scorer and powerful runner, as we saw during last year's Rugby World Cup.
"I wish him well in his future and thank him for his service to Scottish rugby."
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