Queensland Reds fullback Mark McLinden has announced his immediate retirement from rugby because of a neck injury, the Super 14 team said on Tuesday.

McLinden, 30, has been advised that two bulging discs in his neck present a high risk of serious injury if he continues to play contact sport, so he has decided to call time on his 12-year professional playing career, the Reds said.

"I've been told the injury will heal itself over time providing I don't receive a serious knock to that part of my body," McLinden said.

"The only way to ensure that doesn't happen is to stop playing football altogether."

McLinden joined the Reds this year on a two-season contract after a seven-year career in the NRL with Canberra, followed by four seasons with Harlequins in the European Super League.

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