SARACENS’ FORMER ENGLAND fly-half Charlie Hodgson confirmed today that he will retire from playing at the end of the current season.
The 35-year-old, who won 38 England caps and toured New Zealand with the British and Irish Lions in 2005, is due to take up a role as Saracens’ head of recruitment and talent identification.
“I am extremely excited to be taking up the new role at the end of the season,” said Hodgson, the English Premiership’s all-time leading scorer with close to 2,500 points, in a statement released by Saracens.
“It was a very tough call to make, as being a rugby player is the only thing I’ve ever known in my working life.
“In one sense, my career seems to have lasted a lifetime, and in another sense, it’s just flown by. It was a difficult decision to make, but my body is now telling me that it’s probably the right thing to do.”
Hodgson, who joined Saracens from Sale in 2011, said the chance to move upstairs with Saracens was an “amazing opportunity”.
“I’ve been very lucky in my career to have played for two fantastic clubs in Sale and Saracens,” he added. “Having the chance to play for my country and tour with the Lions was a real honour, and something that I will always cherish.”
Saracens rugby director Mark McCall said: “We are delighted that Charlie will be staying on at Saracens in such an important capacity. As a guy with such rugby knowledge and intelligence, Charlie is tailor-made for the role and he will prove to be a huge asset for the club going forward.”
