Powerful prop Phil Joseph has announced he will be hanging up his boots this autumn.

The well-travelled forward, who spent the last season with Workington Town, declared he plans to retire after the World Cup in November.

Joseph, 32, is named in the Welsh squad heading to Australia for the international tournament and says he would like to finish 'on a high'.

The experienced international announced his intention to retire on Twitter yesterday.

Joseph said: "I would like to announce that I will be retiring from rugby league after this year's World Cup with Wales as I feel the time is right for me to concentrate on my career doing physical therapy and developing my business.

"I have had a fantastic career and I've been privileged to play with some very talented individuals and made some great friends for life."

Joseph also paid tribute to the clubs he has served over his career.

He added: "I would like to thank Workington Town for this year. Unfortunately the travel to Cumbria got too much for me and I just kept picking up hamstring injuries.

"I would like to thank Widnes Vikings for giving me the opportunity to play my best rugby again and to Salford, also my hometown club Huddersfield where I first made my Super League debut in 2004.

"Most importantly I'd like to thank my mum Maureen for believing in me from when I was 12 years old and for never missing a game and putting the time and effort in.

"And thank you to my family who have been my rock through hard times.

"Looking forward to finishing on a high in Australia in a few weeks."

Joseph has been named as a vice captain for Wales in the World Cup where his side will face Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Ireland in the group stages.

They begin their campaign on Saturday, October 28, in Port Moresby.