THE bad news plaguing Wasps this week continued as long-serving John Hart has been forced to retire through injury.

A former captain of the side, the former Academy graduate has been told to give up the game because of a shoulder problem.

The ex-England U21 international made 165 appearances for the black and golds since making his debut nine years ago.

He follows another former captain, Tom Rees, in having to hang up his boots in a season that has seen the Wasps squad decimated by injuries.

On top of that they’re in the thick of a relegation battle and news emerged this week the club could be put into administration at the end of the season.

Hart said: “I’m really disappointed to bow out this way but the decision was taken out of my hands unfortunately. I had hoped I would be able to carry on to the end of the season but after the game against Northampton it was clear that I wouldn’t be able to.

“I’ve had great support from the club in this matter and I want to thank everyone for that through a difficult time.

“London Wasps has been my only club and I have been honoured to be part of the side of over a decade. I will look back on my time with the club with great pride and always know how privileged I was to win Premiership and Heineken Cup titles.

“I want to thank my family for all their support over the years and of course everyone at the club and all of the supporters for everything.”

Wasps director of rugby Dai Young said: “Harty has been a lynchpin in the Wasps side for a number of years and I have been hugely impressed with him in my short time with the club.

“His leadership and passion for Wasps was the reason I named him my captain at the start of the season and it’s sad to see him have to retire before the season is out. We wish him all the best in the next stage of his life.”