Former England hooker Lee Mears forced to retire over heart condition

Issue arose during screening of Bath players

Lee Mears (GETTY IMAGES)

Former England hooker Lee Mears has been forced to retire with immediate effect due to a heart condition, his club Bath have announced.

An abnormality known to occur in some athletes was discovered during a cardiac screening completed by the 33-year-old Bath front row, who announced his international retirement last year.

"There is a significant potential risk of developing further complications if Lee continues to perform the prolonged strenuous exercises required to be an elite rugby player," read a statement issued by Bath.

"He has therefore been advised by a specialist to retire from professional rugby."

PA