The 29-year-old underwent surgery to reconstruct his knee after sustaining an injury in training ahead of the World Cup in Australia a year ago.

But, after several months of rehabilitation, Mower injured the knee again and had to undergo a second reconstruction.

Now the Newcastle Falcons flanker, who earned 13 senior caps after his debut against Tonga in November 2001, has admitted his future health must come first.

Mower said: "It was an extremely tough decision because I love the game, but there comes a point when you have to weigh up the rest of your life when you get medical advice like that.

You have to listen to your body, and I've given it every opportunity, but it's time to call it a day. 

I don't feel I could get back to the level I was playing at before the injury to resume my international career.

"I'm 29 now and I'd have loved to have played until the next World Cup, that was my plan, but I've got to take the advice of the medical experts. 

It's very sad that I didn't know the last Test I played in would be my last Test.

"I'm so happy and proud to have represented Scotland and would like to thank everyone in Scottish Rugby who's helped my career and all the people both in Scotland and at my club Newcastle Falcons for being such a great support to me while I was injured - especially the supporters."

Former Scotland coach Ian McGeechan heralded Mower as an inspiration during his time as a player.

McGeechan said: "Andrew was an exceptionally dedicated player who was always willing to put himself on the line for his country. 

His injury before the World Cup was desperately unfortunate and then for it to happen again was a cruel blow.

His commitment to the game and the team was outstanding and his retirement is a loss for the Scotland squad. 

We wish him all the very best for his future career and thank him for his service to Scottish rugby.

Mower was born in Sydney, Australia, but qualified for Scotland on account of a Glasgow-born maternal grandfather.