Former England hooker Lee Mears forced to retire over heart condition

Issue arose during screening of Bath players

Duncan Bech
Monday 11 February 2013 07:53 EST
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Lee Mears
Lee Mears (GETTY IMAGES)

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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

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