Ospreys' Myler to retire at the end of the season

Stephen Myler became Toby Booth's first Ospreys signing when he moved to Wales having left London Irish

Ospreys' former England fly-half Stephen Myler has announced he will retire at the end of the season.

Myler previously spent 12 years at Northampton Saints having begun his career playing rugby league at St Helens, Widnes Vikings and Salford Red Devils.

"Don't they say all good things come to an end?" Myler wrote on social media.

"Safe to say it's been a while since I began my professional career and I feel fortunate and privileged to have had a career that has [gone on] for so long.

"But I can confirm that this will be my final season."

Myler began his senior rugby league career at St Helens but did not make a first-team appearance before establishing himself at Widnes, his hometown club.

After a year at Salford he switched codes in 2006 to begin a successful stint at Northampton.

Myler helped Saints win the European Challenge Cup and English Premiership in 2014, during a 330-game, 2,655-point spell at the club which ended when he joined London Irish in 2016.

Myler, whose England appearance came against Argentina in 2013, joined Ospreys on an initial one-year deal but twice extended his contract having proved an influential figure under head coach Toby Booth.

"I owe a huge thank you to my family and friends for their love, support and guidance throughout the highs and the lows," Myler added.

"Team-mates, coaches and backroom staff, I've been privileged to work with some incredible people over the years and made some friends for life.

"A huge thank you to Northampton Saints, London Irish, Ospreys and England Rugby, who have enabled me to pursue a dream.

"A special mention also to Widnes Tigers ARLFC, St Helens, Widnes Vikings and Salford Red Devils, where I set off on my journey in rugby league.

"And lastly to the supporters. With or against, your unwavering support and passion are what makes the game what it is, what makes it so special."