Warrington Wolves have announced that half-back Lee Briers has been forced to retire from the game on medical advice.

The 35-year-old, who signed for the club from St Helens back in 1997 at 18 years of age, has stepped away from the game due to scans and consultations revealing that the player has done significant damage to his neck.

Briers hangs up his boots having made 425 appearances for the club, spanning a 17-year career with the Primrose and Blue, and scoring a record 2,586 points.

"I feel privileged to have played for so long," Briers told the club's official website. "Unfortunately it has come to an end but it was going to one day and the doctor took that out of my hands. I'm sad but I've got good things to look forward to now with the coaching - my next chapter.

"It is something I have always wanted to focus on and now I have the opportunity to do that. I would have liked an extra year playing but I now hope to help find the next superstars of Warrington Wolves."

Wolves' head of coaching and rugby Tony Smith added: "On behalf of the Warrington club, its supporters and Rugby League fans I'd like to thank Lee for his contributions to the game. He has brought enormous enjoyment and pleasure to those who have witnessed his skills."

Briers will begin his coaching career within the Wolves set-up.