Jake Polledri: Zebre's former Gloucester forward retires aged 28 due to injury

Jake Polledri's final Italy appearance came against England in last year's Six Nations

Former Gloucester and Italy forward Jake Polledri has announced his retirement from rugby union.

The 28-year-old was unable to recover from a foot injury suffered while at Zebre, despite overcoming a knee injury that kept him out for almost two years.

Polledri's only appearances this season came in December in the Challenge Cup for Zebre, who he joined last summer.

The back-row played 20 times for Italy and was part of the Azzuri's squad for the 2019 World Cup in Japan.

"My return to the pitch from my catastrophic knee injury in 2020 was tough," Polledri posted on Instagram.

"A lot of people wrote me off immediately, which didn't deter me. From complete paralysis in my foot to 677 days later being able to run out at Gloucester again. The support from the Kingsholm fans was immense and is cherished.

"My foot however hasn't returned back to 100% and ultimately it has affected my ability to return to the high level of rugby I played, and it has also affected life generally.

"I have reluctantly accepted that my body and professionals are telling me retire from the sport that I love.

"I look forward to my next chapter and I will remain positive in what it can bring."