Very few rugby players retire at the top of their game, or even with the club, they made their name with.
As such, it’s easy to let former stars of the Premiership fade from view until their retirement is all but assumed.
Here’s a selection of former-Premiership names who you might have thought had hung up their boots…
1. Chris Mayor (Sale, Northampton & Wasps)
Former England Sevens international Mayor is still playing his trade in National League 2 North with Sale FC. The 35-year-old centre began his career with Wigan Warriors before switching codes to join Sale Sharks. He later joined Northampton Saints before stints with Gran Parma and Wasps.
2. Aleki Lutui (Worcester & Gloucester)
In 2015, a global audience watched Lutui scrum down for Tonga in his third Rugby World Cup. Aged 39 and with a distinguished club history spanning both hemispheres behind him, the hooker joined Ampthill in 2015 and is still a regular in the side that plays in National League One.
3. Luke Narraway (Gloucester & London Irish)
England international back row Luke Narraway was the latest addition to Coventry Rugby’s squad, joining in the summer of 2017. The Worcester-born 33-year-old, who captained London Irish to promotion last season, came to Butts Park as a player-coach on a two-year deal.