LIAM Botham, son of cricket legend Ian Botham, has been forced to retire from rugby league at the age of 27.

The Wigan Warriors forward, who was making his name in the game after shining at cricket and rugby union, has been troubled since last season with a neck injury. And, after discussions with medical specialists, he has quit.

The winger turned second row forward recently joined Wigan from Leeds.

"I had a neck injury last season and needed six to eight weeks rest with that," he said. "Everything was going well, but against Warrington I went into a tackle and had shooting pains. Against St Helens, I took another knock and it got worse."

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