Former British Olympic champion Zac Purchase has announced his retirement from professional rowing.

The 27-year-old has insisted that it is the "right time" for him to step away from the sport after acquiring one Olympic gold medal and three World Championship golds.

"I have spent time reflecting on those results and I felt it was the right time to step away from rowing to explore other opportunities," BBC Sport quotes Purchase as saying.

"I plan to keep fit just in case a sporting challenge presents itself."

Purchase clinched a silver medal with Mark Hunter in the lightweight double final at the London 2012 Olympic Games.