Gustard to retire

8:40am Friday 9th May 2008

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Paul Gustard is likely to start his final game for Saracens against Bristol tomorrow after announcing his retirement.

The 32-year-old has enjoyed an 11 year career with Leicester Tigers, London Irish and the Men in Black, making a total of 172 Premiership appearances including 48 for Sarries.

He becomes the seventh player to announce their departure from the club recently with Kevin Yates, Iain Fullarton, Aaron Liffchak (London Welsh), Alan Dickens (Northampton Saints), Guthrie Hall and Sakiusa Matadigo all heading for pastures new.

"I've enjoyed every minute of my career but the time feels right for me to call it a day," said the versatile back row. "I've really enjoyed my time at Saracens and can honestly say I've got no regrets.

"In terms of the future, I've got a couple of fantastic opportunities to consider and I will be exploring those avenues."

Gustard is likely to return at flanker as Ben Skirving has shaken off an injury which forced him to miss last weekend's hammering at Bath. Skipper Neil de Kock is also expected to return while Cobus Visagie is likely to start in what will be his last game as a full time player.

Young fly-half Alex Goode is set to play having trained with the first team this week along with exciting wing Noah Cato.

Saracens (probable): Haughton, Cato, Sorrell, Powell, Ratuvou, Goode, de Kock (cpt); Lloyd, Cairns, Visagie, Ryder, Chesney, Gustard, Hill, Skirving.

Replacements: Ongaro, Johnston, Fullarton, Barrell, Dickens, Ross, Penney.