Saracens’ Charlie Hodgson has announced he will retire at the end of the current season and will become the club’s head of recruitment and talent identification.

The 35-year-old fly-half joined the Men in Black from Sale in 2011 after 11 years with the Manchester outfit. To date he has made 111 appearances for Saracens.

He won 38 caps for England between 2001 and 2012 before retiring to concentrate on his club rugby with Sarries. Hodgson also represented the British and Irish Lions.

“I’m extremely excited to be taking up the new role at the end of the season,” Hodgson told the club’s website.

“It was very tough call to make, as being a rugby player is the only thing I’ve ever known in my working life.

“In one sense my career seems to have lasted a lifetime and in another sense it’s just flown by.

“My body is now telling me that it’s probably the right thing to do. I’ve 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.

“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’ll always cherish.

“My time at Saracens has exceeded any of my expectations. I never thought I’d stay for as long as I have, but as a family we’ve had a brilliant time here. We’re very excited to be heading into the next chapter at the club.”

Director of rugby Mark McCall added: “We’re delighted that Charlie will be staying on at Saracens in such an important capacity.

“It’s great for the club to provide our players with a pathway into a different career. As a guy with such rugby knowledge and intelligence as 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 backroom team with great success. We think that such continuity in personnel is key for us.”