Cardiff Rugby can confirm Ciaran Parker will leave the club at the end of the season after deciding to retire from the professional game.
The tight-head prop arrived at the Arms Park in the summer and has made six first team appearances despite suffering a significant hamstring tear at the beginning of the season.
However, with an a diploma in financial planning and an exciting opportunity to step into life after rugby, Parker has made the difficult decision to call time on his playing career.
He said: “This has been an incredibly tough decision to step away from the sport at 28. However, with an exciting opportunity for work arising and the incoming arrival of our first child, I felt this was the right decision for my family.
“I can’t thank Jockey and the club enough - first of all for giving me the time and space to make this decision but also of course for providing a chance this season to continue my career after the demise of London Irish.
“Although my time on the field has been limited, I hope I’ve left a lasting impression on those in and around the club. I see the foundations being laid this season with an exciting young group and look forward to watching their progression next season.”
Cardiff Rugby head coach Matt Sherratt added: “We are all really grateful to Ciaran for all of his efforts this season. His playing time has been limited due to a suspension and a nasty injury but he is a top quality player, who has really added to our environment, and is a good man. We wish him and his family the very best for his next chapter.”