Queensland Reds and former Wallaby flanker David Croft has announced he will retire from professional rugby at the end of the 2008 season.

Croft, who has played 114 matches for Queensland and 92 consecutive Super rugby competition games since 2001, still had one year left to run on his contract.

However he said with a good crop of young players coming through at the Reds, now was the right time to leave.

"I would be doing Queensland Rugby, my teammates and myself a disservice by playing on if my heart's not in it," Croft said.

"For me, it's either all or nothing.

"I believe it's much better making that decision now and giving the Reds time before next season, to free up funds to recruit new players.

"Money is not my motivation for playing. I'm 29, I've completely devoted myself to playing professional rugby for more than 10 seasons. I just want to do something different."

Croft revealed he had started thinking about his future more than a year ago but put any thought of retirement on hold after the Reds dismal 2007 season.

"I didn't want to leave the Reds in that position and I still believed that I could help their cause," he said.

"It's not in my nature to leave a sinking ship. I wanted to get to the point where I could see light at the end of the tunnel and I think that we are there now.

"The team means everything to me. Their wellbeing has always been my focus. Fronting them last night and informing them of my decision was possibly the toughest thing I've had to do."

Croft earned five Wallaby caps after making his Test debut against Argentina in 2002.

"I have been given the privilege of representing my state in over 110 games and my country at the highest level and I am happy to leave with no regrets."

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