The 35-year-old Wales hooker will learn his fate when he meets up in a week's time with the surgeon who operated on him in June.

A 2001 British & Irish Lion, McBryde featured as a substitute in four of the five RBS 6 Nations games but will not be taking any chances if the medical advice is to quit.

''I've had a scan and now I must wait to speak with the surgeon to see how things are going but I'm not putting any pressure on myself,'' he told www.wru.co.uk.

''Without medical backing there is no way I am carrying on because my health is more important than rugby.

''I really have no problems with making the decision to quit because it will be based on health grounds. I've had a longer innings than most and achieved a lot.

''It would obviously be nice to carry on, especially with the exciting season ahead, but if it doesn't happen then so be it.''