The 43-year-old began his career in 1995 when he played in the inaugural World Wheelchair Rugby Championships in Switzerland.

He then competed for his country in five Paralympic Games - Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000, Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 and Rio 2016 in September.

Ash missed out on selection for his home Games in London four years ago before returning to the fold in Brazil, and enjoyed two spells as his country's captain.

A former Royal Marine, he was involved in a car crash aged 17 which left him with spinal injuries.

He began playing wheelchair rugby during his rehabilitation and won the European Championships with Britain three times, in 2003, 2005 and 2007.

Before his accident he was a talented footballer, playing semi-professionally for Wolverhampton Wanderers and having trials for Arsenal and West Bromwich Albion.

"It has been an incredible privilege to represent my country over 22 years, the game has changed considerably over that time and the demands of being an elite athlete today are ever more challenging, particularly when balancing these with family life," said Ash. 

"I shall miss being part of the squad but I wish the team well - it has so much potential and is without question on the verge of breaking into the top three in the world."

Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby performance director Lorraine Brown added: "Alan has been one of the anchors of the GB squad since the establishment of the game in this country. 

"He was unfortunate to miss out on a place in the London 2012 squad but there will be few players in the world who can claim to have taken part in five Paralympic Games."

Britain finished fifth at Rio 2016 and have never won a Paralympic medal.

The country has come fourth twice - at Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008.