Wales and Worcester Warriors forward Jonathan Thomas has been forced to retire at the age of 32 on medical advice.

Thomas was diagnosed with epilepsy last year, with a Warriors statement saying his condition is thought to have been a result of multiple head traumas that "has led to a degree of brain injury".

The former Ospreys star has now called time on his career.

Director of rugby Dean Ryan told Warriors' official website: "It's with great sadness that after all his efforts Jonathan has had to concede his fight to continue playing rugby. 

"This is a great opportunity to celebrate all of his success as a player but also to go on record in how grateful I am in the courageous decision he took to come and join me here at Warriors."

Thomas made 67 appearances for his country between 2003 and 2011 and was a member of two Grand Slam winning Six Nations sides.

At Ospreys he won four league titles and an Anglo-Welsh Cup during a 10-year stay in which he made a record-equalling 188 appearances, and he also helped the Warriors achieve promotion back to the Premiership last season.