Bath's Duncan Bell will retire from rugby at end of season

Veteran Bath tight-head prop Duncan Bell will retire from rugby at the end of the season.

Bell, who revealed last week that he has battled depression for years, has played more than 200 times for Bath in nine years at The Rec.

"I'd like to thank all the players, coaches and staff I've worked with and the fans who supported me throughout my career," the 37-year-old said.

"It's been a difficult decision, but I'm looking forward to new challenges."

Bell joined the West Country club from Pontypridd in 2003, has scored eight tries, and was part of the Bath side that lifted the European Challenge Cup in 2008.

He has also turned out for England five times, and won the 2010 Churchill Cup with the England Saxons.

Speaking about Bell's depression, Rugby Players' Association CEO Damian Hopley said: "To the outside world, Duncan has always appeared the most upbeat of characters, rarely without a smile on his face.

"Privately, Duncan has had some considerable challenges in his life and I cannot speak highly enough of the courage he shows to speak openly about the depression he has suffered from over the past few years.

"On behalf of everyone at the RPA, I would like to thank Duncan for having put his own anxieties and concerns to one side to help us produce a video for our mental health seminars which are being presented to players at every Premiership club from the end of this season."