BRIEF-Rugby league-Dual international Sailor hangs up his boots

SYDNEY, Nov 12 (Reuters) - Australia's former dual international Wendell Sailor announced his retirement from all forms of rugby on Thursday, ending a colourful professional career spanning 16 years.

A powerfully built winger, Sailor was among a handful of players to represent his country in both codes, playing 19 tests in league and 37 in union.

He won a World Cup in league in 2000 and played in the Australian side that lost the 2003 rugby union World Cup final to England.

His union career ended in 2006 when he was banned for two years after testing positive for cocaine but returned to rugby league in 2008 and played two seasons at the highest level before finally hanging up his boots at 35. (Reporting by Julian Linden; Editing by John O'Brien; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)