Hodgson to retire at end of Saracens season

Former England flyhalf Charlie Hodgson has revealed that he will retire from playing rugby at the end of the current season.

Thirty-five-year-old Hodgson said that he will stop playing for Saracens at the end of the season to become their Head of Recruitment and Talent Identification.

Hodgson joined Saracens in 2011 from Sale Sharks and is the Aviva Premiership’s record point scorer with 2,500 points from 239 appearances and won an Aviva Premiership title in 2014/15 with Saracens.

Hodgson has won 38 caps for England and retired from playing international rugby in 2012.

“I’m extremely excited to be taking up the new role at the end of the season,” said Hodgson.

“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 Lions was a real honour, and something that I’ll always cherish. I’d like to thank Sale Sharks 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.”

Hodgson will join the back room staff and work closely alongside the Saracens coaching staff helping the club identify talent throughout all age groups.

On his new role in the summer, Hodgson explained: “The 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 Owen Farrell, 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.”

Hodgson | @CHodgson10 spoke after announcing his retirement at the end of the season. Full video on #SarriesTV https://t.co/XUpTmTzd4I

— Saracens Rugby Club (@Saracens) November 26, 2015