Andy Farrell, the Saracens and former England centre, will end his playing career at the end of the season and step into a coaching role at the club.
Farrell, who enjoyed huge success in rugby league with Wigan before switching codes to join Saracens in 2005, said his body would no longer stand up to the rigours of professional sport. He will remain at Saracens as a skills coach as part of the new set-up under Brendan Venter.
"I'd love to keep on playing but my body tells me otherwise every morning," Farrell told the Daily Mail. "A long playing career inevitably takes its toll but I have been very fortunate to have done so for 18 years. I thank the Wigan and Saracens fans for their support."
"Throughout my career I've always prided myself on doing extra training to stay one step ahead of opponents, but I'm now finding myself spending all my time just trying to get right for training, rather than trying to be a better player.
"When that time comes, it is time to stop. After 18 years, it will be an emotional moment to play my last game, but I'm really excited about the opportunity that Saracens have given to me to move into coaching – something I have always wanted to do."
Farrell, who will be 34 at the end of next month, will play a part in the development of his son Owen, a centre who has a three-year contract with Saracens. "This is a new chapter in my life, something I have always wanted to do,' he said. "There is no point going into it unless you have ambitions to reach the top. I am grateful to Saracens for giving me such an exciting opportunity."
"I've always been interested in coaching, and I've been lucky enough to work with some fantastic people during my career and I'm looking forward to putting into practice all the knowledge I've gained over the years."
Farrell made his second team debut for Wigan aged just 15, and within a year he had become a first team regular. He made his Great Britain debut aged 18, and at 21 he became the youngest captain of his country, going on to make 34 GB appearances.
During his time at Wigan, Farrell won five championships and four Challenge Cups, then joined Saracens in a deal that was part-funded by the Rugby Football Union.
His early union career was hit by injuries – and an initial debate about whether he should play centre or flanker – but he soon settled into a midfield role and made his England debut against Scotland in 2007. Farrell's final Test match appearance was as a replacement against Tonga during the 2007 World Cup pool game in Paris.
He added: "I had 14 great years with Wigan and have so many people to thank at the club over the years for all the help and support they gave me. I've also met some special people at Saracens and was also fortunate enough to become a dual international and represent England at a World Cup.
"The fans of both clubs have given me tremendous support, and I'd like to thank them for that. I've no regrets looking back, and I've been fortunate enough to play with and against some fantastic people and have some fantastic experiences.
"But my time as a player is not over yet. There is still a huge amount to play for with Saracens, and we have a big game on Sunday against Newcastle in the European Challenge Cup. I would love to sign off on a high note, and winning a trophy would be just that."
