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Saracens Charlie Hodgson will retire from rugby at the end of the season
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Former England number 10, who toured with the British Lions in 2005, is the Premiership’s record points scorer, with almost 2,500 in 239 appearances to date
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The 35-year-old joined Sarries from Sale in 2011
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He will become the club’s head of recruitment
Saracens and former England fly-half Charlie Hodgson will retire from professional at the end of the season to become the club’s new head of recruitment.
“I am extremely excited to be taking up the new role at the end of the season,” said Hodgson, 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.
“I have been presented with an amazing opportunity to be here at Saracens in a different capacity, and it’s an opportunity I felt that I just couldn’t turn down.
“I’ve been very lucky in my career to have played for two fantastic clubs in Sale and Saracens. 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 added: “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.
“In the past, we have seen the likes of Paul Gustard, Alex Sanderson, Kevin Sorrell, Kevin Barrett, Andy Edwards and Don Barrell transfer from the playing staff into the back-room team with great success. We think that such continuity in personnel is key for us.”