Saracens RFC

Charlie Hodgson to hang up his boots

Charlie Hodgson will retire at the end of the season and join ' backroom staff.
The 35-year old fly-half, who is the record point-scorer with 2,486 points, started his career at back in 2000.
He went on to represent the 228 times until 2011 lifting the Premiership and the along the way.
In his fifth season at Saracens, he has made a further 111 top-flight appearance and won a second Premiership title last May.
He said: “I'm extremely excited to be taking up the new role at the end of the season.
“It was 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've 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 was a real honour, and something that I'll always cherish. I'd like to thank for giving me my chance in the game. I spent 11 fantastic years there, made some friends for life and played alongside some great players.
“My time at Saracens has exceeded any of my expectations. I never thought I'd stay for as long as I have, but as a family we've had a brilliant time here. We're very excited to be heading into the next chapter at the club.”
“The new job is ultimately helping Mark McCall (Director of Rugby) and Don Barrell (Academy Manager) and the rest of the team recruit the most talented players available for the club. Hopefully we can unearth the next , the next George Kruis and the next Will Fraser, and get those guys coming through the academy system and fill any potential areas in the current squad where we could improve. It's very exciting role and to be able to stay here in this incredible environment is great.
“It's a weight of my shoulders to have sorted my future after rugby,” he added, “I'm really looking forward to focussing purely on the rugby. I hope that the season goes from strength to strength and that we can end it on a high similar to last year.”
Director of Rugby Mark McCall commented: “We're delighted that Charlie will be staying on at Saracens in such an important capacity. It's great for the club to provide our players with a pathway into a different career. As a guy with such rugby knowledge and intelligence as 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 backroom team with great success. We think that such continuity in personnel is key for us.”

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