David Strettle to hang up his boots
COVENTRY, ENGLAND - APRIL 20: David Strettle of Saracens breaks with the ball during the Champions Cup Semi Final match between Saracens and Munster at the Ricoh Arena on April 20, 2019 in Coventry, United Kingdom. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
Saracens flyer David Strettle has announced he will retire from professional rugby at the end of the season.
The prolific England wing has scored 122 tries over the span of a 17-year career, which has seen Strettle represent Rotherham Titans, Harlequins and Clermont Auvergne at club level.
Adding to his 325 appearances, Strettle has also earned 14 caps for his country as well as touring with England’s Sevens squad.
A two-time Premiership winner, the 35-year-old explained he had put off the thought of retirement to join Saracens for a second spell.
On retiring, Strettle said: “I spoke to my wife and we decided now is the time to say goodbye to rugby. There are some more adventures for me elsewhere.
“I’m lucky enough to be able to look back, be very proud and privileged to have done some of the things I’ve done.
“There was a time when I was at Clermont I thought I’d retire so everything from that point has been an unbelievable bonus for me and to come back to Saracens has been incredible.
“When I first joined the club there was a saying called ‘ELE’ – Everyone Loves Everyone – it’s very true. There are no prima-donnas, no one is treated better than the others.
“Saracens will always have a special place in my heart and I have some amazing memories to take forward. I’m looking forward to the last couple of months before creating further memories outside of rugby.”
Director of Rugby Mark McCall added: “To watch Strets play, is to forget you are a coach and to be a fan of rugby.
“Competitive in the air, graceful on the run, intelligent in defence, he has produced some of the most memorable moments of skill ever seen in a Saracens jersey; often in big games, often under the greatest pressure. That is the mark of a truly great player.
“Off the field, he is a dedicated team mate and family man. Saracens have been fortunate to have David for two spells at the club and he leaves having made Saracens a better place. We wish him and his family every success in the future.”
Strettle sits 19th in the Premiership’s all-time tryscorer chart on 55 and boasts a Top 14 winners’ medal, having started on the right win in the 22-16 victory over Toulon at the Stade de France.
