Dwayne Peel: Retired scrum-half does not regret England move

Dwayne Peel made his Wales debut against Japan in 2001

Former Wales and British and Irish Lions scrum-half Dwayne Peel says he has no regrets over moving to England.

The Bristol captain, who announced his retirement on Wednesday, won 76 caps for his country between 2001 and 2011.

He joined Sale in 2008 and gradually fell out of favour under Wales coach Warren Gatland, but says he holds no grudges against any coaching staff.

"Ultimately I am proud of what I have achieved. There is no frustration on my part," Peel, 34, told BBC Radio Wales.

"I was lucky enough to win 76 caps for Wales and, if someone had given me that when I was 17, I would have bitten their hand off.

"It's a decision of coaches, who they want to pick. It's not for any player to decide that.

"I don't regret (moving to England) because of experiences I have had, firstly at Sale and here at Bristol. I had such a brilliant welcome from everyone."

'Starting again at the bottom'

Peel, who played in three Lions Tests, will now work as a coach at Bristol after injury forced his retirement.

"It's a club on the cusp of something special. I'm sure we'll see Bristol as being a powerhouse in the next few years," he added.

"I know I'm starting again at the bottom of the ladder and I have to work extremely hard.

Dwayne Peel was part of Wales' grand slam-winning side of 2005

"Having retired with injury, it's a great way of transitioning and staying in the game.

"(Retiring) was a very difficult decision. It had been on my mind for a couple of weeks.

"But my shoulder is not getting any better, I had two surgeries this year, and it's taking it's toll.

"The decision was the right thing to look after my health, on medical grounds.

"There are a number of highlights. Playing for Llanelli was a great honour for me, and to get a Wales call-up and move on to the Lions. I'm awfully proud."