Beal made his final Test match appearance in the 1999 World Cup quarter-final defeat against South Africa at Stade de France.

“My family and I have really enjoyed our time with Northampton Saints, and we have made some great friends during the last 13 years,” he said.

“I’ve been lucky enough to have worked with world-class players and coaches throughout my career.

“There have been lots of highs and a few lows, and I am proud to have played a small part in the development of the Saints from the amateur era to the world-class professional set-up which the players enjoy today. I am grateful to the club for giving me that opportunity.”

Beal, a Lions tourist in South Africa seven years ago, joined Northampton during the 1991/92 campaign and subsequently played in three English cup finals, although he missed Saints’ 2000 Heineken Cup triumph through injury.

Perhaps his finest achievement though was helping England land the 1993 World Cup sevens title alongside Saints team-mates Matt Dawson and Tim Rodber.

“The big thing about Nick is although he has known he was going to retire, he has remained curious and prepared to keep learning,” said Saints coach Wayne Smith, in tribute to the 33-year-old.

“It is always a battle when someone has decided to retire to make sure they are still enthusiastic.

“Nick has been coming back from injury lately, and has shown real hunger in the last two games he has played in, which shows what kind of a player and a man he is. He still badly wants to finish on a high for the club.

“The other aspect to Nick is he is still the fastest player in the squad, as our fitness tests proved a few weeks ago. That’s pretty incredible for a guy who is about to retire.”