'I have made a decision, a hard one at that' - former England No.8 retires

A former England No.8 known for his try scoring antics and an 'oldschool' physique has hung up his boots in his native New Zealand.

Thomas Waldrom was capped four times by England and scored more than 50 tries in over 90 appearances for Exeter Chiefs, before returning to New Zealand and the Wellington Lions earlier this year.

"I have made a decision a hard one at that, but it’s time to hang the boots up," Waldrom Tweeted. "A massive thank to Wellington Rugby for letting me come back and finish where it all started.

"Exciting times ahead to start something new. Big thanks to all the players and coaches you have all be awesome."

Waldrom, 35, made 80 appearances for the Wellington Lions before his move to the United Kingdom where he was a big part of the Leicester Tigers success for four seasons while he was also caped four times with England. He spent the next four seasons playing for the Exeter Chefs.

His departure from the Chiefs was felt by everyone at Sandy Park, particularly given his outstanding form since arriving from Aviva Premiership rivals Leicester Tigers in 2014.

Waldrom more than proved his worth to the Chiefs, helping the club last season to record a first-ever Premiership title with victory over Wasps at Twickenham.

Waldrom headed home to New Zealand with his wife Emma, plus their boys and continue their family life "back around many of their loved ones" and returned to his old club, the Wellington Lions.