Monday 2 May 2016 11:56, UK
Wasps hooker Edd Shervington will retire at the end of the season and hopes to start a new career singing in West End musicals.
Shervington has spent the last two seasons with Wasps, having joined them from Worcester Warriors.
The 31-year-old's family already runs a successful chicken farm, but he is hoping to take his career in a different - and somewhat more glamorous - direction, by treading the boards professionally in London's West End.
Welshman Shervington has a fine singing voice and he told the club's website: "I'm sure a few people will think my West End ambitions are a wind-up. Let's just say I'm not always seen as the most serious bloke in the game, but I would genuinely love to try something different and to follow another of my passions, just like rugby has been for the past 12 years.
"The family farming business is going really well back home and I feel the time is right to hang up the boots and to try a new challenge.
"I would like to thank everyone at Wasps for such an enjoyable two years, particularly our owner Derek Richardson, who has been phenomenal for the club, as well as being a really decent guy.
"I'd also like to thank [head coach] Dai Young and the coaches for the opportunities and support they've given me and the players for such a memorable couple of seasons.
"We have a great bunch of guys here at Wasps and it's been a pleasure to be part of such a tight squad, which has reached a European semi-final and still has a Premiership semi-final to look forward to.
Young said: "I'd like to wish Edd and his family the best of luck for their next steps. Edd has been a great addition to the squad, not only for his strength at the set piece but also for his off-field presence.
"His sense of humour is sometimes an acquired taste, but he has created a lot of laughs among the squad throughout his time here and we wish him the very best for the future."
