London Irish legend David Paice to retire at end of season
Wednesday 25 April 2018 11:36, UK
London Irish hooker David Paice will retire at the end of the season after 14 years at the Premiership club.
The 34-year-old made a club-record 288 appearances for the Exiles, including a Premiership final and a European Cup semi-final, and won eight caps for England between 2008 and 2013.
He has decided to hang up his boots with Irish set for a second relegation from the Premiership in three years, after recently calling for rugby union to scrap relegation from its top flight.
"I would like to thank London Irish for giving me the opportunity to play professional rugby," Paice said in a statement released by the club on Wednesday morning.
"London Irish is a special club with fantastic supporters, and I've made friends for life."
The Australian-born hooker will now move back Down Under, saying that "the time is right for us to move back to Brisbane and be closer to family".
Irish technical consultant Declan Kidney added: "David has been a magnificent servant, not only to London Irish but to English rugby, and he will be a big loss to the game.
"I've only been at the club for a short time, but it's clear to see the positive impact that David has had on the team both on and off the pitch."
Paice will bow out from his playing career when Irish take on Saracens in their final Premiership clash on Sunday.
