Jonny Arr has announced he will be leaving Worcester Warriors at the end of the season, the club he joined as a seven-year-old.
The scrum-half will bring to an end a 23-year association with more than 217 appearances for the senior team.
And with the curtain set to come down on his time in Worcester, Arr vowed that his career has another act left in it as he plots his next move.
“The immediate emotion is one of sadness that it is all going to come to an end,” said Arr, 30.
“I have spent a huge portion of my life here. I have been playing rugby with a Worcester badge on my shirt since I was seven years of age.
“It has been a huge part of my life and that chapter is going to come to an end.
“So on one side there will be a feeling of sadness but on the other side it's one of excitement because I have got the opportunity now to have a new challenge which I think is going to be really good for me. It's a chance to almost start again.
“I have got no thoughts of hanging up the boots yet.
“I am only 30, I would like to think that I can still offer a huge amount to a team out there.
“I will spend the short-term finding what opportunities are out there and which ones are a best-fit.
“I am keen to keep playing rugby.
“I feel like I have put a few tough years injury-wise behind me and I am eager to continue my rugby journey.
“Whilst it would have been nice to have hung my boots up here and called it a day after seeing my career out with Warriors, it's not to be.”
“I will take great pride in having remained loyal to the club and Chris Pennell has done the same. I hope that there are guys that follow suit in the future because I think it's really important that this place has as many homegrown players as possible.”
The odds of Worcester playing Premiership rugby next season were boosted by a 39-17 bonus-point victory over Sale Sharks at the weekend, with director of rugby Alan Solomons paying tribute to a player who has helped the club become established at the top level. From running the back Worcester's scrum to the gallops across the ponds, check out Betting Belmont Stakes 2019 for the horse racing action.
“Jonny has been a tremendous servant of the club,” Solomons said.
“He is a good bloke and a great team man who has made an invaluable contribution to Warriors over many years. We wish him all the very best for the future.”
