Former Wallabies prop Toby Smith has been forced to retire from rugby because of ongoing issues with concussion.

Smith, 31, announced he would step away from the sport to preserve his health, ending his Super Rugby contract with the Hurricanes.

The Queensland-born loosehead played six Tests from 2015-17, making his biggest impact at the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

He came off the bench in the 29-15 semi-final win over Argentina at Twickenham but wasn’t selected for the final against the All Blacks at the same venue a week later, which was lost.

After four seasons at the Chiefs, Smith joined Melbourne Rebels in 2013 and played four further seasons before returning across the Tasman with the Hurricanes. He played 108 Super Rugby matches.

“I am making the difficult choice now to leave the game I love and that has given me so many amazing experiences and where I have made some life-long friendships,” Smith said in a statement.

“I have had some on-going issues with concussion, and while I am currently symptom-free, I do not wish to put that at further risk.”