Former Ireland international hooker Ross Nesdale is to retire from rugby at the end of this season.
New Zealand-born Nesdale, who won 11 Irish caps, had neck surgery last year and he will call it quits next month.
"I will be 33 in a couple of months' time and, after the neck operation, I am about a yard slower in pace than I was a year ago," said Nesdale.
Nesdale’s club coach, Newcastle Falcons boss Rob Andrew, said: "Ross has been a major factor in everything we have achieved and he will be a big loss.
"Apart from being technically a very good hooker, his work-rate is superb and his throwing-in excellent. We will find it difficult to replace him."
