And Wallabies captain George Gregan led the tributes to a player he described as a really great half-back.

The 34-year-old has been forced to concede defeat in his battle to overcome a wrist injury that first surfaced earlier this year.

Howley underwent surgery in June, and an appointment with his consultant surgeon David Evans has confirmed the inevitable. Howley had also sought a second opinion recently from Doug Campbell, a Leeds based wrist specialist.

It is a very sad and scary feeling to be told that your rugby career is over, said Howley.

I had high hopes of returning to Wasps and even pushing for a place in the Lions squad (to New Zealand next summer) but unfortunately it is not to be.

I remember playing my first few games as a youngster in Wales and wondering how long my career would be, and when it would all end. Now, I know that answer.

I didn't think a wrist injury would be the end of me, but sadly it is.

I've had a fantastic career, both at club level and internationally, and would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved. I've met so many people along the way and made new friends.

Howley, who won 59 caps for Wales, 22 of those as captain, suffered the injury when he was stamped on during a European Cup pool game between Wasps and French club Perpignan.

He did though, manage to complete the season, helping Wasps to a stunning European Cup and Premiership trophy double.

Gregan, who has just arrived in England for the Wallabies European tour, hailed Howleys outstanding career.

Every time he played, there wouldnt have been a tip-sheet that wouldnt have described him as a very, very dangerous player, Gregan said.

He was a player who could genuinely change games, so he was a real key for any team that he played in. And off the field, he was a great guy, a really good bloke.

I am sad he has finished his career, but he had a great career for Wales and obviously played a big role in Wasps winning the European Cup.

Through my career, there are probably a handful of really great half-backs I played against, and he would be one of them.