Former England captain and Saracens lock Steve Borthwick will end his 16-year playing career at the end of the season in May.
“Very few players have the chance to retire on their own terms,” Borthwick, 34, told the Saracens website.
“Saracens did ask me if I’d like to carry on but I feel that the time is right for me to finish playing at the end of the season.”
Carlisle-born Borthwick won 57 England caps and captained the side 21 times, the last occasion being against Scotland in 2010 which proved his final international appearance after he aggravated a knee injury.
He won his first cap against France in 2001 but missed out on a place in Sir Clive Woodward’s 2003 World Cup-winning squad under then skipper Martin Johnson.
Explaining his decision, Borthwick told the London Evening Standard: “There are a few reasons; I didn’t want my level of performance to drop and I wanted to make sure I retired on my terms, playing well and being fit and healthy.
“Rugby is a very demanding sport and takes a toll on your body and it’s a factor as well because you want to be in a good shape later on in life.
“I realise very few players get the opportunity I’ve been given.”
Article source: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/debateni/blogs/ireland-rugby-world-cup-bid-lets-not-kick-once-in-lifetime-chance-into-touch-29781297.html
Saracens captain Steve Borthwick to retire from rugby at the end of the season
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