The South African-born Appleford suffered nerve damage to his right shoulder during the French leg of the International Rugby Board (IRB) Sevens tour in June 2005.

However, despite two operations and 20 months of rest and rehabilitation, the 29-year-old has failed to regain full sensation in his arm.

“I am very disappointed to have to call time on my career," Appleford told the Saints' website.

"I was hoping to return to action this season and I will always be sad that I was never able to pull on a Saints jersey in a game situation.

“I must thank Saints and the RFU for all their support. Both have been outstanding during the last 18 months, and have done everything possible to try to get me back to full fitness and make my recovery as easy as possible.

“I have put my inactive time to good use by supporting the coaching and analysis department at Franklin’s Gardens, and hope I can stay involved in some way on the future.”

Appleford played for Currie Cup sides the Natal Sharks and Mpumalanga Pumas, before leaving South African shores for the northern hemisphere and joining up with London Irish in 2000.

He made his England Sevens debut in 2001 and won his full England cap in 2002 against Argentina (qualifying through his grandparents), and was also part of London Irish’s Powergen Cup-winning team in the same year.

Appleford made 91 appearances for London Irish and scored 11 tries.

In the summer of 2005, the 95kg (14st 3lb) centre joined Northampton Saints but failed to play a single game for his new club.

“It is a genuine disappointment that Geoff has never pulled on the black, green and gold of Northampton," said Saints coach Paul Grayson.

"The major reason for signing Geoff was because I hated playing against him!

"His size, physical presence and intelligence would have enhanced the Saints back line no end."