Saracens star flanker Vicky Fleetwood announced her retirement from professional rugby.

Rugby General

Saracens star flanker Vicky Fleetwood announced her retirement from professional rugby.

England World Cup winner Vicky Fleetwood has officially confirmed her retirement from professional rugby with immediate effect.

The England international Vicky Fleetwood made her Roses debut in 2011 in their 15-11 defeat to the USA and has earned 82 caps for England, winning five Six Nations titles.

She was part of the 2014 World Cup-winning squad and played six times during the tournament, including the final as England beat Canada 21-9. 

The 2014 World Cup winner has been out of action since October having undergone surgery for a knee injury, conceding that it is not "the fairytale ending that everyone dreams of."

After her retirement was announced, Fleetwood said: "My rugby career has been an incredible journey and has given me memories that will last forever. Being part of the Red Roses is something special and I’m proud that I got to wear the white shirt on so many occasions."