Saracens back-row forward Paul Gustard has announced he will retire from the game at the end of this season.

The 32-year-old has enjoyed 11 years in the top flight with Leicester, London Irish and then 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.

“I have enjoyed every minute of my career, but the time feels right for me to call it a day,” he said.

“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 A and England Under-21s and featured in two non-cap fixtures for his country, will join his Saracens back-row colleague Richard Hill in retiring.

Fellow Saracens forwards Kevin Yates and Iain Fullarton are also leaving Vicarage Road.

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