London Scottish flanker Fred Silcock has announced his retirement from professional rugby after failing to recover from a knee injury.

The 24-year-old joined Scottish in the summer from Jersey but after undergoing surgery recently, he has since been advised to retire from competitive rugby with immediate effect.

Silcock spent two seasons at Jersey playing a key role in the Islanders retaining their Greene King IPA Championship status following promotion to National One.

Before this, Silcock was a member of the Loughborough Students side which won the National League One North title in season 2011/12.

Whilst studying, he also played A-League rugby for Leicester Tigers and Worcester Warriors.

Silcock will now look to use his first class honours degree in International Business Management and his undergraduate degree in Sports Science to pursue a career out with rugby.

“I would love to have a few more years in rugby but it is not to be,” Silcock said.

“The surgeon advised against trying to get back playing again and I need to think about my long-term health.

“London Scottish have been great to me since I joined and the Club is supporting me in my rehabilitation, making sure my knee is 100 per cent right for life away from rugby.”

London Scottish Director of Rugby, Mike Friday, said: “It’s a real shame that Fred is having to retire.

 “When we saw him playing for Jersey he was the all encompassing, abrasive, balling carrying open side that we were looking for. He was perfect for us but this injury has meant Fred needs to call time on his career.”

He added: “Once you sign for London Scottish the Club will always do the best by the player to try and give them a platform to succeed in life after rugby.

“We will make sure he is nursed back to full health and help him in the next stage of his career.”