Saracens' Charlie Hodgson to quit playing at end of season

Image: Charlie Hodgson will take up a head of recruitment role with Saracens next year

Former England fly-half Charlie Hodgson will retire from playing at the end of this season.

The record-breaking 35-year-old has announced he will take up a new role as head of recruitment at current club Saracens.

Hodgson has scored more Premiership points than any other player, and a 44-point haul on his international debut against Romania in 2001 remains an England record.

He went on to win 38 caps, toured New Zealand with the Lions in 2005 and ended an 11-year association with Sale Sharks when he joined Saracens in 2011.

"I am extremely excited to be taking up the new role at the end of the season," said Hodgson, in a statement released by Saracens. "It was a very tough call to make, as being a rugby player is the only thing I've ever known in my working life.

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"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.

Image: Hodgson's 44-point haul against Romania in 2001 remains an England Test record

"I have 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.

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"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 will always cherish."

Saracens rugby director Mark McCall added: "We are delighted that Charlie will be staying on at Saracens in such an important capacity.

Image: Hodgson toured New Zealand with the Lions in 2005

"As a guy with such rugby knowledge and intelligence, 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 the back-room team with great success. We think that such continuity in personnel is key for us."

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