OTLEY-born World Cup winner Mike Tindall has admitted he will not seek an immediate switch to full-time coaching after retiring from professional rugby.

Former England captain Tindall, whose dad Phil captained Otley, confirmed his retirement after 17 years of top-flight action, the 35-year-old rejecting the chance to seek a move away from Gloucester.

Tindall admitted rugby director Nigel Davies' sacking at the end of last season left his chances of a new contract at Kingsholm limited.

Gloucester have since recruited rugby director David Humphreys and a new back-room staff, leaving no place for Tindall to continue his player-coach role.

"I could play two more years if I really wanted to but club rugby is a very special thing for me – it's what I love about the game," said Tindall.

"I had to ask myself if I wanted to go and play somewhere else. Can you get emotionally attached to another club? Because that is the pull of club rugby for me.

"I don't think you can. I always say 'never say never' but I wouldn't have thought I will be back. You have to face the big, bad world some time and now is the right time to do that."

The centre racked up 75 caps for England, including helping Sir Clive Woodward's side to the 2003 World Cup triumph.

Tindall has now become the final member of that 2003 World Cup squad to confirm his retirement from rugby.

Former Bath and Gloucester team-mate Iain Balshaw retired earlier this summer, with Jonny Wilkinson also closing out his career with a Heineken Cup-French Top 14 double at Toulon.

Tindall was pivotal to England's Grand Slam victory in 2003 but later found himself in hot water in a wretched 2011 World Cup campaign in New Zealand.

England's disappointing performance in 2011 led to coach Martin Johnson's exit and the end of Tindall's international career, after he was resoundingly criticised for a night out during the tournament.

Tindall said he will now seek media work rather than chase a full-time coaching role.

"If I was honest, I did enjoy the player-coach role – but at the same time, it would be too easy to chase a coaching role," said Tindall, who spent nine years at Gloucester.

"As soon as Nigel left I knew it would be very difficult as my contract had run out and my coaching experience was limited.

"I was always fully aware what might end up happening and as soon as they signed (new director of rugby) David Humphreys I knew.

"But after 17 years in the game playing, it's very easy to think you have to stay in that environment.

"But now what this has given me is an opportunity to have a year away from that and have a look at what else is out there.

"It's a little bit daunting going into something where I am out of my comfort zone but at the same time it is exciting."