Saracens star Gustard announces retirement

Saracens back-row forward Paul Gustard has announced his retirement from professional rugby at the end of this season.

Gustard, 32, has enjoyed 11 years in the top flight, firstly with Leicester, then London Irish and latterly Saracens.

He was handed his Leicester debut during the 1997/98 campaign and has made a total of 172 Premiership appearances for his three clubs.

Gustard, whose representative career included games at England A and England U-21 level, said: “I have enjoyed every minute of my career, but the time feels right for me to call it a day.

“I’ve got some very fond memories throughout those 11 years, and I’ve been lucky enough to win Heineken Cup and Premiership titles in that time.

“I have also really enjoyed my time at Saracens and obviously, it would have been the dream scenario to bow out in a Heineken Cup final but that wasn’t to be.”

Gustard, who represented England in two non-cap fixtures, will join his Saracens back-row colleague Richard Hill in retiring, while fellow forwards Kevin Yates and Iain Fullarton are also leaving Vicarage Road.