The 29-year-old suffered a disc problem during Sale's Challenge Cup victory against Bayonne last December and has been told he will never be able to compete at the top level.

Hanley won a single England cap against Wales in 1999 and scored a record 75 tries in the Premiership.

The Cumbrian signed for the Sharks in 1998 and in all touched down 104 times in 191 games for the Manchester club.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Sale Sharks and have some great memories playing for the club," he said.

"I have, however, been struggling with a disc problem in my back since the Bayonne game and have received medical advice in that I will not recover enough to be able to play Premiership rugby again."

Former team-mate Jason Robinson added: "It was a pleasure to play in the same team as Steve, he is a great lad and as his statistics show, one of the best finishers in the game."