London Welsh flanker Lee Beach has announced his retirement from full-time professional rugby at the end of the season.

Beach, 30, joined the Exiles in 2009 from Neath, fresh from captaining Wales to World Cup 7s glory in Dubai. Over the next four seasons he went onto to make 93 appearances for London Welsh, scoring eight tries, and was man of the match in the second leg of the club’s Championship final victory over the Cornish Pirates at the Kassam Stadium in May 2012.

“It’s been a great four years and a great club to play for,” said Beach. “I’m really sad to go, but it’s a good time for me to finish and just play part-time rugby in Wales, where I’ll be much closer to home.

“I think I’m going to take a step back from playing full-time professional rugby, and it’s all about finding a career now. I’ve got a few options open to me which I’m looking forward to exploring.

“I’d like to thank everyone who’s been involved with London Welsh - I’ve really enjoyed my time here. I’m going to miss the place, but I’m really looking forward to the future.

“I hope London Welsh can go on and stay in the Premiership, but if the club is relegated then I hope they come straight back up again, and we’ve got the squad and the people behind the scenes to do that. I wish everyone the best of luck.”

Having appeared in two losing Championship semi-finals with Welsh in 2010 and 2011, helping the club to victory in last year’s final and promotion to the Premiership was undoubtedly a proud moment for Beach.

“I’ve got a lot of good memories but that’s obviously a highlight because I know how hard people have worked behind the scenes to get the club to where it should be today,” he said.

“To win the Championship and get promoted was one of the best moments of my career. There was the worry of whether we would be able to get promoted, but everyone pulled together and it just went to prove what a great club this is.

“It’s been a pleasure to meet and play alongside some great players, both past and present, as well as play under coaches like Danny Wilson, Phil Greening, Mike Friday and Lyn Jones. I’ve made some great friends here.”

“I’d also like to thank and acknowledge Kelvin Bryon for all his hard work and generosity in keeping the club going for all these years.”

London Welsh head coach Lyn Jones said: “Lee has been a leading catalyst in the development of London Welsh over the past four years, in particular playing a key role in helping the club to Championship success.

“The decision to retire from full-time professional rugby is one that comes to all players and Lee has made a wise decision as he prepares for the 'transition' to normality. Everyone at London Welsh would like to thank him for all his efforts during his time at the club and wish him the very best for the future.”