Cross featured for Border Reivers, Edinburgh, Glasgow Warriors and latterly Irish – who was relegated this term – during a career spanning 13 seasons.

He won 40 caps for Scotland and Cross, who is a qualified doctor, became instantly recognisable on the field due to his sizeable beard.

"I have enjoyed my time at London Irish, but I feel the time is now right to move my attention towards returning to medicine which I intend to achieve by next summer," he said.

"London Irish is a club steeped in history and tradition and the foundations are very much in place for it to make an immediate return to the Premiership.

"Representing my country was the pinnacle of my career, and to have played 40 times for Scotland fills me with immense pride.

"I feel very privileged to have fulfilled a lifetime ambition and to have made memories, which will last a lifetime. I'm now however focused on the next chapter, one that I'm very much looking forward to."

"Geoff has had a fabulous playing career that has seen him play at the very highest level for Scotland, and he has been a great professional to have at London Irish both on and off the field," added Irish head of rugby operations Glenn Delaney.

"I speak on behalf of everyone connected to the club in wishing Geoff and his family all the very best for the future."